Real-time tracking of contrast bolus propagation in Continuously Moving Table MR angiography

Abstract

The recent introduction of variable-velocity control for Continuously Moving Table Magnetic Resonance Imaging has introduced the ability for interactive examination across extended fields of view. A common application of this method is contrast-enhanced angiography, where propagation of an intravenously injected contrast agent is tracked throughout the peripheral vascular tree. Whereas current methods for performing contrast bolus tracking are entirely manual, we discuss the complete automation of this process through the use of real-time image processing. Specifically, we provide a coupled intensity-correction procedure and modified Fast Marching method for rapid segmentation of contrast enhanced vasculature in CE-MRA and discuss the incorporation of this process into a framework for fully automated and adaptive control of table motion for real-time tracking of contrast bolus propagation through the lower peripheral vasculature. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2006.