Attenuation Estimation of MRI hardware in high resolution PET-MRI

1)简要描述研究背景，包括潜在影响正电子发射断层扫描-磁共振成像（PET-MRI）是一种最近发展起来的成像技术，它将PET的代谢和功能信息与MRI的灵活性相结合。需要定量的PET图像来指导患者的诊断和治疗。为了获得准确的数值，必须知道PET伽马光子穿过的任何物体的位置和密度，包括靠近身体的MRI接收器线圈。然而，这些线圈通常在MRI图像中看不到，挑战在于估计它们的位置和PET光子的衰减。这个问题与PET-MRI系统越来越相关，这些系统提高了PET的飞行时间和空间分辨率。2)目的和目标本项目的主要目的是通过开发和评估PET衰减校正方法来改进PET量化，这些方法考虑了在标准采集协议中不可见或位置不确定的MRI硬件。研究的方法包括先进的PET图像重建方法，包括衰减估计，先进的MRI序列，MRI线圈灵敏度估计，柔性体线圈的形状和变形建模，光学摄像机监测位置。目的是开发临床实用且稳健的方法，并可与一系列可用的PET示踪剂一起使用。3)研究方法的新颖性体线圈在文献中很大程度上被忽略了，因为它们是为低衰减而设计的。然而，对于较新的PET/MR系统，它们确实会影响PET图像质量。该方法将建立在伦敦大学学院之前完成的有关头部和肺部衰减估计的工作基础上，使用先进的反问题技术和深度学习。4)与EPSRC的战略和研究领域保持一致本项目符合EPSRC的医疗技术战略。At通过使用新颖的计算和数学技术解决了优化处理的挑战。该项目将研究新的成像技术。5)涉及西门子医疗的任何公司或合作者

1) Brief description of the context of the research including potential impactPositron Emission Tomography - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET-MRI) is a recently developed imaging technique that combines the metabolic and functional information from PET with the flexibility of MRI. Quantitative PET images are needed to guide patient diagnosis and treatment. To get accurate values, it is essential to know the location and density of any objects through which the PET gamma photons travel, including the MRI receiver coils close to the body. However, these coils are not usually seen in the MRI images and the challenge is to estimate their location and their attenuation of PET photons. This problem is becoming more relevant for PET-MRI systems that have improved time-of-flight and spatial resolution for PET.2) Aims and ObjectivesThe primary aim of this project is to improve PET quantification by developing and evaluating PET attenuation correction methods that account for MRI hardware that is not visible in standard acquisition protocols or has uncertain location. Methods to be investigated include advanced PET image reconstruction methods that incorporate estimation of attenuation, advanced MRI sequences, MRI coil sensitivity estimates, shape and deformation modelling of flexible body coils, optical cameras to monitor location. The intention is to develop methods that are clinically practical and robust, and can be used with a range of available PET tracers. 3) Novelty of Research MethodologyBody coils have largely been ignored in the literature as they are designed for low attenuation. However, they do affect PET image quality for newer PET/MR systems. The method will build on previous work completed at UCL related to attenuation estimation for the head and lung, using advanced inverse problem techniques and deep learning.4) Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areasThis project fits in the healthcare technologies strategy of EPSRC. At addresses the Optimising treatment challenge by using novel computational and mathematical techniques. The project will investigate novel imaging technologies.5) Any companies or collaborators involvedSiemens Healthcare