MR spectroscopy system and method for diagnosing painful and non-painful intervertebral discs
US8761860B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/565
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An MR Spectroscopy (MRS) system and approach is provided for diagnosing painful and non-painful discs in chronic, severe low back pain patients (DDD-MRS). A DDD-MRS pulse sequence generates and acquires DDD-MRS spectra within intervertebral disc nuclei for later signal processing & diagnostic analysis. An interfacing DDD-MRS signal processor receives output signals of the DDD-MRS spectra acquired and is configured to optimize signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by an automated system that selectively conducts optimal channel selection, phase and frequency correction, and frame editing as appropriate for a given acquisition series. A diagnostic processor calculates a diagnostic value for the disc based upon a weighted factor set of criteria that uses MRS data extracted from the acquired and processed MRS spectra along regions associated with multiple chemicals that have been correlated to painful vs. non-painful discs. A diagnostic display provides a scaled, color coded legend and indication of results for each disc analyzed as an overlay onto a mid-sagittal T2-weighted MRI image of the lumbar spine for the patient being diagnosed. Clinical application of the embodiments provides a non-inva…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.