3D printing of realistic MRI phantoms to improve MR sequence design and reproducibility: Feasibility study on a model of liver metastasis

MR序列和定量MR参数的开发需要对患者人群进行测试。然而，患者的可用性是有限的，患者研究与相当大的挑战。此外，患者的个体间和个体内变异性限制了数据的可比性并使标准化复杂化。因此，在本项目中，我们的目标是开发一种3D打印逼真的患者拟人化MR体模的方法，并详细模拟患者组织和病理的信号特性。我们将使用转移性肝病患者的3D打印模型来优化和标准化MR序列，包括不同场强和扫描仪系统的T1标测。最后，我们将把所获得的知识转化为患者环境，并测试这种方法在提高肝转移瘤检测和MR测量标准化方面的潜力。由此产生的逼真的拟人MR模型将允许简单地访问病理，促进MR序列的开发，并提高不同场强和扫描仪系统的MR成像序列的标准化。在此基础上，该项目将改进MR技术和标准化MR参数，用于肝转移瘤的早期诊断，改善患者治疗和结局。

Development of MR sequences and quantitative MR parameters requires testing on patient populations. However, availability of patients is limited and patient studies are associated with considerable challenges. Furthermore, inter- and intraindividual variability of patients restricts data comparability and complicates standardization. In this project, we therefore aim to develop a method for 3D printing realistic anthropomorphic MR phantoms of patients with a detailed simulation of signalling properties of patient tissues and pathologies. We will use 3D printed phantoms of patients with metastatic liver disease to optimize and standardize MR sequences, including T1 mapping, over different field strengths and scanner systems. Finally, we will translate the gained knowledge into a patient setting and test the potential of this approach to improve the detection of liver metastases and the standardization of MR measurements. The resulting realistic anthropomorphic MR phantoms will allow uncomplicated access to pathologies, facilitate MR sequence development and improve the standardization of MR imaging sequences over different field strengths and scanner systems. On this basis, this project will result in improved MR techniques and standardized MR parameters for early diagnosis of liver metastases, improving patient therapies and outcome.