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Contrast enhancement for tissue discrimination and contrast nanoparticle detection by MRI
Bačovský, Jaromír ; Macíček, Ondřej (referee) ; Starčuk, Zenon (advisor)
Magnetic resonance imaging is a routine and powerful diagnostic technique capable of providing detailed information about the structure and composition of the tissues. This diploma thesis is concerned with the mechanisms of contrast origin and contrast modifications by molecular and nanoparticle contrast agents. First sections of the thesis summarize basic knowledge about pulse sequences and it aims to provide an overview on MRI contrast agent with a special emphasis on paramagnetic gadolinium contrast agents and superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The main purpose of this study is to develop the software called MRICalc, which is able to optimize contrast in MRI images. Based on analysis of signal formula of typical pulse sequences, MRICalc is able to propose the parameters of the pulse sequence for compartment-specific enhancement of the contrast. User chooses from the list of the samples and after calculation he obtains the values of echo time, repetition time and flip angle, all of which simultaneously seem to create the appropriate setting to enhance the contrast. MRICalc also allows to plot contrast function with respect to the chosen parameter. Software, including its graphical user interface, is designed in Python. The sample consists from solution of CuSO4 and distilled water was designed to verify the correct function of MRICalc. Sulphate represents a contrast agent. Preclinical MR system Bruker BioSpec 94/30 USR located at Institute of Scientific Instruments of the ASCR, v.v.i was used to measure contrast curve of FLASH pulse sequence, which is a typical representative of gradient echo. Results of the measurement were compared to the theoretical model provided by MRICalc.
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Contrast enhancement for tissue discrimination and contrast nanoparticle detection by MRI
Bačovský, Jaromír ; Macíček, Ondřej (referee) ; Starčuk, Zenon (advisor)
Magnetic resonance imaging is a routine and powerful diagnostic technique capable of providing detailed information about the structure and composition of the tissues. This diploma thesis is concerned with the mechanisms of contrast origin and contrast modifications by molecular and nanoparticle contrast agents. First sections of the thesis summarize basic knowledge about pulse sequences and it aims to provide an overview on MRI contrast agent with a special emphasis on paramagnetic gadolinium contrast agents and superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The main purpose of this study is to develop the software called MRICalc, which is able to optimize contrast in MRI images. Based on analysis of signal formula of typical pulse sequences, MRICalc is able to propose the parameters of the pulse sequence for compartment-specific enhancement of the contrast. User chooses from the list of the samples and after calculation he obtains the values of echo time, repetition time and flip angle, all of which simultaneously seem to create the appropriate setting to enhance the contrast. MRICalc also allows to plot contrast function with respect to the chosen parameter. Software, including its graphical user interface, is designed in Python. The sample consists from solution of CuSO4 and distilled water was designed to verify the correct function of MRICalc. Sulphate represents a contrast agent. Preclinical MR system Bruker BioSpec 94/30 USR located at Institute of Scientific Instruments of the ASCR, v.v.i was used to measure contrast curve of FLASH pulse sequence, which is a typical representative of gradient echo. Results of the measurement were compared to the theoretical model provided by MRICalc.
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