MRI Equipment Research Articles

An Efficient Prediction Model on the Operation Quality of Medical Equipment Based on Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm-Temporal Convolutional Network-BiLSTM.

Combining medical IoT and artificial intelligence technology is an effective approach to achieve the intelligence of medical equipment. This integration can address issues such as low image quality caused by fluctuations in power quality and potential equipment damage, and this study proposes a predictive model, ISSA-TCN-BiLSTM, based on a bi-directional long short-term memory network (BiLSTM). Firstly, power quality data and other data from MRI and CT equipment within a 6-month period are collected using current fingerprint technology. The key factors affecting the active power of medical equipment are explored using the Pearson coefficient method. Subsequently, a Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) is employed to conduct multi-layer convolution operations on the input temporal feature sequences, enabling the learning of global temporal feature information while minimizing the interference of redundant data. Additionally, bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) is integrated to model the intermediate active power features, facilitating accurate prediction of medical equipment power quality. Additionally, an improved Sparrow Search Algorithm (ISSA) is utilized for hyperparameter optimization of the TCN-BiLSTM model, enabling optimization of the active power of different medical equipment. Experimental results demonstrate that the ISSA-TCN-BiLSTM model outperforms other comparative models in terms of RMSE, MSE, and R2, with values of 0.1143, 0.1157, 0.0873, 0.0817, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively, for MRI and CT equipment. This model exhibits both prediction speed and accuracy in power prediction for medical equipment, providing valuable guidance for equipment maintenance and diagnostic efficiency enhancement.

Canadian Medical Imaging Inventory 2022–2023: MRI

MRI is a noninvasive imaging modality that uses powerful electromagnetic and radiofrequency fields to produce cross-sectional images of the body. MRI is primarily used for neurologic exams (28%), followed by musculoskeletal (23%) and oncology exams (17%). In total, 432 MRI units in 11 jurisdictions were identified by the Canadian Medical Imaging Inventory (CMII) in its 2022 to 2023 national survey. Most sites are publicly funded hospitals located in urban centres. Canada has an average of 10.8 MRI units per million people. The greatest density of units per million people is in Yukon, Quebec, and New Brunswick. Overall, 2,214,157 publicly funded MRI examinations were performed in the 2022–2023 fiscal year. This represents a national average of 55.6 exams per 1,000 people, an increase of 4.3% since 2019– Canada is positioned in the bottom 25% of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in units per million population and the bottom 50% of OECD countries for average volume of publicly funded MRI exams per 1,000 population. The average age of MRI equipment in Canada is 8.4 years; 62.8% of MRI units are 10 years old or newer, 23.3% are 11 to 15 years old, and 13.9% are more than 15 years old. On average, MRI units operate 15.3 hours per day and 97.4 hours per week. Overall, 76.0% of sites reported MRI operation on weekends and 17% of sites reported operating 24 hours a day.

Development of MRI Equipment and Techniques for Studies of Biological and Agricultural Objects

Development of MRI Equipment and Techniques for Studies of Biological and Agricultural Objects

Whole Process of Standardization of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging: Phantom Validation and Clinical Application According to the QIBA Profile.

Background: To use the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as reliable biomarkers, validation of MRI equipment performance and clinical acquisition protocols should be performed prior to application in patients. This study aims to validate various MRI equipment and clinical brain protocols for diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) using commercial phantom, and confirm the validated protocols in patients' images. Methods: The performance of four different scanners and clinical brain protocols were validated using a Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance (QIBA) diffusion phantom and cloud-based analysis tool. We evaluated the performance metrics regarding accuracy and repeatability of ADC measurement using QIBA profile. The validated clinical brain protocols were applied to 17 patients, and image quality and repeatability of ADC were assessed. Results: The MRI equipment performance of all four MRI scanners demonstrated high accuracy in ADC measurement (ADC bias, -2.3% to -0.4%), excellent linear correlation to the reference ADC value (slope, 0.9 to 1.0; R2, 0.999-1.000), and high short-term repeatability [within-subject-coefficient-of-variation (wCV), 0% to 0.3%]. The clinical protocols were also validated by fulfilling QIBA claims with high accuracy (ADC bias, -3.1% to -0.7%) and robust repeatability (wCV, 0% to 0.1%). Brain DWI acquired using the validated clinical protocols showed ideal image quality (mean score ≥ 2.9) and good repeatability (wCV, 1.8-2.2). Conclusions: The whole process of standardization of DWI demonstrated the robustness of ADC with high accuracy and repeatability across diverse MRI equipment and clinical protocols in accordance with the QIBA claims.

P352 Comparison of Radiation Dose, Image Quality, and Diagnostic Performance between Hybrid Iterative Reconstruction and Deep Learning Reconstruction for CT Enterography of IBD

Abstract Background CT enterography (CTE) is recommended as one of the preferred methods for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially in primary hospitals that lack MRI equipment. However, the potential risk of radiation derived from using CTE during the life-long follow-up is an important issue for these patients. This study aimed to compare the radiation dose, image quality, and diagnostic performance of CTE for IBD using hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) and deep learning reconstruction (DLR). Methods We prospectively collected data on low dose CTE reconstructed by HIR and DLR in patients with IBD between February 2023 and September 2023, and retrospectively enrolled IBD patients who underwent conventional dose CTE reconstructed by HIR between June 2019 and June 2022 as controls. The CTE examinations were performed within 2 weeks of bowel histologic evaluation (the reference standard of bowel inflammation). The objective and subjective image quality and the image features were evaluated by two IBD radiologists. The radiation dose, image quality, and diagnostic performance was compared between the two dose protocols. Results The preliminary study included 36 patients in the low dose group with HIR and DLR and 40 patients in the conventional dose group with HIR. There were no significant differences in demographic data of patients between the two groups (all P>0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for detecting active inflammation were 71.4% (43.3%), 83.3% (80.0%), and 75.0% (52.5%) for the low dose group with DLR (HIR), respectively, and 84.4%, 62.5%, and 80% for the conventional dose HIR group. Low dose group with DLR resulted in significantly increased objective and subjective image quality and diagnostic confidence for active inflammation compared to low dose group with HIR (all P<0.05), with no inferiority to conventional dose group with HIR (all P>0.05). The dichotomous inter-reader reliability (k) for the entire group was 0.88. Low dose group resulted in a significant reduction in radiation exposure (mean [± SD], 2.20 ± 0.29 mSv) compared to conventional dose group (4.85 ± 1.96 mSv; P<0.001). Conclusion Low dose CTE with DLR significantly improved image quality compared to low dose CTE with HIR, and maintained similarly high diagnostic performance as conventional dose CTE with HIR. Importantly, the low dose CTE with DLR significantly reduced the radiation dose, improving the safety of CTE application in the life-long follow-up of patients with IBD.

Transforming medical equipment management in digital public health: a decision-making model for medical equipment replacement.

In the rapidly evolving field of digital public health, effective management of medical equipment is critical to maintaining high standards of healthcare service levels and operational efficiency. However, current decisions to replace large medical equipment are often based on subjective judgments rather than objective analyses and lack a standardized approach. This study proposes a multi-criteria decision-making model that aims to simplify and enhance the medical equipment replacement process. The researchers developed a multi-criteria decision-making model specifically for the replacement of medical equipment. The model establishes a system of indicators for prioritizing and evaluating the replacement of large medical equipment, utilizing game theory to assign appropriate weights, which uniquely combines the weights of the COWA and PCA method. In addition, which uses the GRA method in combination with the TOPSIS method for a more comprehensive decision-making model. The study validates the model by using the MRI equipment of a tertiary hospital as an example. The results of the study show that the model is effective in prioritizing the most optimal updates to the equipment. Significantly, the model shown a higher level of differentiation compared to the GRA and TOPSIS methods alone. The present study shows that the multi-criteria decision-making model presented provides a powerful and accurate tool for optimizing decisions related to the replacement of large medical equipment. By solving the key challenges in this area as well as giving a solid basis for decision making, the model makes significant progress toward the field of management of medical equipment.

Dental-dedicated MRI, a novel approach for dentomaxillofacial diagnostic imaging: technical specifications and feasibility.

MRI is a noninvasive, ionizing radiation-free imaging modality that has become an indispensable medical diagnostic method. The literature suggests MRI as a potential diagnostic modality in dentomaxillofacial radiology. However, current MRI equipment is designed for medical imaging (eg, brain and body imaging), with general-purpose use in radiology. Hence, it appears expensive for dentists to purchase and maintain, besides being complex to operate. In recent years, MRI has entered some areas of dentistry and has reached a point in which it can be provided following a tailored approach. This technical report introduces a dental-dedicated MRI (ddMRI) system, describing how MRI can be adapted to fit dentomaxillofacial radiology through the appropriate choice of field strength, dental radiofrequency surface coil, and pulse sequences. Also, this technical report illustrates the possible application and feasibility of the suggested ddMRI system in some relevant diagnostic tasks in dentistry. Based on the presented cases, it is fair to consider the suggested ddMRI system as a feasible approach to introducing MRI to dentists and dentomaxillofacial radiology specialists. Further studies are needed to clarify the diagnostic accuracy of ddMRI considering the various diagnostic tasks relevant to the practice of dentistry.

Automatic Detection and Classification of Modic Changes in MRI Images Using Deep Learning: Intelligent Assisted Diagnosis System.

Modic changes (MCs) are the most prevalent classification system for describing intravertebral MRI signal intensity changes. However, interpreting these intricate MRI images is a complex and time-consuming process. This study investigates the performance of single shot multibox detector (SSD) and ResNet18 network-based automatic detection and classification of MCs. Additionally, it compares the inter-observer agreement and observer-classifier agreement in MCs diagnosis to validate the feasibility of deep learning network-assisted detection of classified MCs. A retrospective analysis of 140 patients with MCs who underwent MRI diagnosis and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in Tianjin Hospital from June 2020 to June 2021 was used as the internal dataset. This group consisted of 55 males and 85 females, aged 25 to 89 years, with a mean age of (59.0 ± 13.7) years. An external test dataset of 28 patients, who met the same criteria and were assessed using different MRI equipment at Tianjin Hospital, was also gathered, including 11 males and 17 females, aged 31 to 84 years, with a mean age of 62.7 ± 10.9 years. After Physician 1 (with 15 years of experience) annotated all MRI images, the internal dataset was imported into the deep learning model for training. The model comprises an SSD network for lesion localization and a ResNet18 network for lesion classification. Performance metrics, including accuracy, recall, precision, F1 score, confusion matrix, and inter-observer agreement parameter Kappa value, were used to evaluate the model's performance on the internal and external datasets. Physician 2 (with 1 year of experience) re-labeled the internal and external test datasets to compare the inter-observer agreement and observer-classifier agreement. In the internal dataset, when models were utilized for the detection and classification of MCs, the accuracy, recall, precision and F1 score reached 86.25%, 87.77%, 84.92% and 85.60%, respectively. The Kappa value of the inter-observer agreement was 0.768 (95% CI: 0.656, 0.847),while observer-classifier agreement was 0.717 (95% CI: 0.589, 0.809).In the external test dataset, the model's the accuracy, recall, precision and F1 scores for diagnosing MCs reached 75%, 77.08%, 77.80% and 74.97%, respectively. The inter-observer agreement was 0.681 (95% CI: 0.512, 0.677), and observer-classifier agreement was 0.519 (95% CI: 0.290, 0.690). The model demonstrated strong performance in detecting and classifying MCs, achieving high agreement with physicians in MCs diagnosis. These results suggest that deep learning models have the potential to facilitate the application of intelligent assisted diagnosis techniques in the field of spine research.

A QUALITATIVE STUDY ABOUT FALSE PERCEPTION STUDENTS TOWARDS THE MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING EQUIPMENT IN RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Introduction-Magnetic resonance imaging has been called the most important development in medical diagnosis since the discovery of the x-ray 100 years ago. It became the most important tools of modern radiology Purpose-The aim of the study is to find out the students false perception towards the magnetic resonance imaging equipment in radiology department. Methodology- A prospective study was conducted by making objective type questionnaire and filled it by the students of paramedical college. Result-At the end of study, following results were observed the studys result revealed several key themes regarding false perceptions of MRI equipment among students.23.04% students expressed fear of radiation exposure. 19.82% students held misconceptions about the potential danger of MRI scan. These misconceptions may arise from a lack of understanding and underlying principles of MR technology.18.43% students think that MRI generates images of the body by emitting sound waves and measuring their echoes. The most common false believe that MRI is only used for bone scan (28.57%). 20.74% students think that MRI can cause cancer.29.49% students have no idea about noise during the MRI scan.38.80% students are not aware about the prohibited items to the MRI room. Conclusion- Comparing courses wise MRI safety knowledge in subjects by using chi-square test It is found statistically significant with p – Value 0.00623, It means course wise MRI safety knowledge were change.Comparing to the others course medical lab technology (MLT) students have better knowledge about MRI equipment.The study did not find any significant differences in false perception of MRI equipment based on age or gender among the students. It implies that age and gender may not be significant factors in shaping these perceptions within this particular group.

Assessment of MRI Safety Awareness and Practice Standards in Bangladesh

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the current MRI safety knowledge, awareness and practice standards among MRI technologist in Bangladesh and to perceive if the identified safety principles related to MRI management are in line with international standards. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out with consent option among MRI technologist in Bangladesh. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data through email, the questionnaire contained ten parts and 47 questions in all. MRI technologist voluntarily consented and filled out the questionnaire. The questions were to explore knowledge about MRI safety policy and accessories, patient screening, adverse reaction, Infection control, Device labeling, Equipment safety, signage and barriers, access and communication, and MRI safety during pregnancy generally. The collected data were analyzed with the help of Microsoft Excel. Results: Regarding knowledge of MRI equipment, 34% of respondents were unaware of the symbols or signs used to denote the various zones in your MRI suit, and 27% were unaware of the negative effects of quenching magnets. About 45% of respondents, who were asked about emergency/safety accessories’ availability, answered that crash carts and MRI-compatible anesthetic equipment aren’t present in the department. In case of awareness of different zones of the MRI suite, which is crucial for an MRI unit, 46.08% of respondents were unaware in this issue. 50% of respondents do not believe that MRI has any harmful effect to people who are pregnant. This study revealed that many MRI facilities generally are not aware of departmental/equipment safety notices & obstacles. Conclusion: The study showed that awareness about MRI safely and practice standards were not encouraging with many of the MRI technologists due to their insufficient knowledge. They need training along with other supporting staff connected to patient to enhance their knowledge in implementation of safety policy, patient screening tools and exposure of MRI during pregnancy.

Cost Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography in Cardiology: A Case Study of a University Hospital Complex in the Euro Region.

In recent years, several hospitals have incorporated MRI equipment managed directly by their cardiology departments. The aim of our work is to determine the total cost per test of both CT and MRI in the setting of a Cardiology Department of a tertiary hospital. The process followed for estimating the costs of CT and MRI tests consists of three phases: (1) Identification of the phases of the testing process; (2) Identification of the resources consumed in carrying out the tests; (3) Quantification and assessment of inputs. MRI involves higher personnel (EUR 66.03 vs. EUR 49.17) and equipment (EUR 89.98 vs. EUR 33.73) costs, while CT consumes higher expenditures in consumables (EUR 93.28 vs. EUR 22.95) and overheads (EUR 1.64 vs. EUR 1.55). The total cost of performing each test is higher in MRI (EUR 180.60 vs. EUR 177.73). We can conclude that the unit cost of each CT and MRI performed in that unit are EUR 177.73 and EUR 180.60, respectively, attributable to consumables in the case of CT and to amortization of equipment and staff time in the case of MRI.

Diagnostic Technology: Trends of Use and Availability in a 10-Year Period (2011-2020) among Sixteen OECD Countries.

Overuse of imaging results in cost increases, with little to no benefit to patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate imaging tests and radiology equipment over a ten-year period in 16 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Twelve countries were included in a time-trend analysis based on OECD indicators on diagnostic imaging (computer tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], and positron emission tomography [PET]). These annual indicators included the number of exams per 1000 population, the number of devices per million population, and the number of exams per device. Average annual percent change was used to measure country-specific trends. Most countries saw a rise in the exam-to-scanner ratio for CT, MRI, and PET, demonstrating a faster increase in exam volume than device volume. Italy exhibited an increase in CT, MRI, and PET equipment units during the same period, but not in exams, most likely due to a reduction in medical procedures during the pandemic. Only in Luxemburg, CT and PET examinations increased despite a reduction in scanners. Considering the expected increasing demand for diagnostics due to the evolving needs of the population, proper governance and resource allocation are necessary requirements for cost-efficient health systems.

MRI Case Report of Perianal Fistula with T2 TSE SPIR Sequence

MRI is a diagnostic imaging tool crucial for pelvic examination in perianal fistula cases. MRI imaging offers some advantages, especially in showing the area of spesi and secondary dilatation. Both have a high recurrence rate after surgery and an important role in determining surgical outcomes and minimizing complications. This study aims to evaluate pelvic MRI examination of perianal fistulas using the T2 TSE SPIR (Turbo Spin Echo Spectral Presaturation with Inversion Recovery) sequence. Research design used a qualitative descriptive method with participatory observation through a case study approach to Perianal Fistula using T2 TSE_SPIR. It was carried out at the Radiology Department of Mayapada Hospital in South Jakarta from August to December 2022. The MRI equipment Philips Achieva 1.5 Tesla with Sense Body Coil. MRI contrast agent of gadoteric acid, Vitamin E capsule, was attached to the perianal fistula location to make it easier for the radiologist to see the path of the perianal fistula. The results of Pelvis MRI images in perianal fistulas using the T2 TSE SPIR sequence shown with clear boundaries of perianal fistulas with anal organs, sigmoid colon, bladder, and prostate between one organ and another. Implementing the selection of the T2 TSE SPIR sequence to visualize fluid images becomes hyper-intensive by suppressing fat signals so that only fluid is visible in the perianal abscess and fistula images.

MRI Anatomical Investigation of Rabbit Bulbourethral Glands.

Anatomical MRI is appropriate for the interpretation of soft tissue findings in the retroperitoneal part of the pelvic cavity. The aim of the current study was to use rabbits as an imaging model to optimize MRI protocols for the investigation of bulbourethral glands. The research was conducted on twelve clinically healthy, sexually mature male rabbits, eight months of age (New Zealand White), weighing 2.8 kg to 3.2 kg. Tunnel MRI equipment was used. The transverse MRI in the T2-weighted sequence obtained detailed images that were of higher anatomical contrast than those in T1-weighted sequences. The hyperintensity of the glandular findings at T2, compared to the adjacent soft tissues, was due to the content of secretory fluids. The quality of the anatomical tissue contrast has not shown much dependence on the choice of the sequence in dorsal MRI. The sagittal visualization of the rabbit bulbourethral glands corresponded to the localization of the research plane toward a median plane. The imaging results could be used as a morphological base for clinical practice and reproduction.

ACPSEM position paper: the safety of magnetic resonance imaging linear accelerators

Magnetic Resonance Imaging linear-accelerator (MRI-linac) equipment has recently been introduced to multiple centres in Australia and New Zealand. MRI equipment creates hazards for staff, patients and others in the MR environment; these hazards must be well understood, and risks managed by a system of environmental controls, written procedures and a trained workforce. While MRI-linac hazards are similar to the diagnostic paradigm, the equipment, workforce and environment are sufficiently different that additional safety guidance is warranted. In 2019 the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) formed the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Linear-Accelerator Working Group (MRILWG) to support the safe clinical introduction and optimal use of MR-guided radiation therapy treatment units. This Position Paper is intended to provide safety guidance and education for Medical Physicists and others planning for and working with MRI-linac technology. This document summarises MRI-linac hazards and describes particular effects which arise from the combination of strong magnetic fields with an external radiation treatment beam. This document also provides guidance on safety governance and training, and recommends a system of hazard management tailored to the MRI-linac environment, ancillary equipment, and workforce.

External Hardware and Sensors, for Improved MRI.

Complex engineered systems are often equipped with suites of sensors and ancillary devices that monitor their performance and maintenance needs. MRI scanners are no different in this regard. Some of the ancillary devices available to support MRI equipment, the ones of particular interest here, have the distinction of actually participating in the image acquisition process itself. Most commonly, such devices are used to monitor physiological motion or variations in the scanner's imaging fields, allowing the imaging and/or reconstruction process to adapt as imaging conditions change. "Classic" examples include electrocardiography (ECG) leads and respiratory bellows to monitor cardiac and respiratory motion, which have been standard equipment in scan rooms since the early days of MRI. Since then, many additional sensors and devices have been proposed to support MRI acquisitions. The main physical properties that they measure may be primarily "mechanical" (eg acceleration, speed, and torque), "acoustic" (sound and ultrasound), "optical" (light and infrared), or "electromagnetic" in nature. A review of these ancillary devices, as currently available in clinical and research settings, is presented here. In our opinion, these devices are not in competition with each other: as long as they provide useful and unique information, do not interfere with each other and are not prohibitively cumbersome to use, they might find their proper place in future suites of sensors. In time, MRI acquisitions will likely include a plurality of complementary signals. A little like the microbiome that provides genetic diversity to organisms, these devices can provide signal diversity to MRI acquisitions and enrich measurements. Machine-learning (ML) algorithms are well suited at combining diverse input signals toward coherent outputs, and they could make use of all such information toward improved MRI capabilities. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

Application Progress of Gd-EOB-DTPA-Enhanced MRI T1 Mapping in Hepatic Diffuse Diseases.

In recent years, T1 mapping imaging based on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has resulted in new research and clinical applications in hepatic diseases. The objective of the study is to analyze, prospect, and summarize the Gd-EOB-DTPA- enhanced MRI T1 mapping technology in hepatic diseases in recent years. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced T1 mapping has been used more frequently in liver diseases regardless of 1.5T or 3.0T MRI equipment. Volume interpolated body examination (VIBE) mapping sequence seems to be the recommended MRI scan sequence. In the evaluation of T1 value on liver function, the hepatobiliary phase 10 minutes after enhancement is the recommended time point. The fat fraction and hepatic steatosis grade based on MRI-derived biomarkers are easier to implement and popularize than a liver biopsy. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 mapping can not only be used to evaluate the degree of liver injury, the stage of liver fibrosis, and the liver reserve function of patients with liver cirrhosis but also to distinguish focal liver lesions and predict the differentiation degree of hepatocellular carcinoma. At the same time, it has some value in predicting tumor immunohistochemical indexes, such as Ki67, CD34. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 mapping has great potential in the application of diffuse and focal liver lesions. It is a quantitative study, trying to select homogeneous research objects and try to use the same standards in scanning sequence and scanning time, especially for the study of liver function, which is a focus of future research. The research on the relationship between T1 value and tumor immunohistochemical indexes is worth consideration.

Structural changes to the brain in drug-resistant juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

The aim of this research is to determine the changes in brain structures, both cortical and subcortical, in patients with drug-resistant juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), in order to contribute to the understanding of the characteristics of the drug-resistant syndrome and to offer possible answers and hypotheses for further studies and more adequate treatments. Observational case-control study. A convenience sample size of four cases and 16 healthy controls was defined to ensure the feasibility of the project (ratio of 4:1). The data collected for patients with drug-resistant JME came from 1.5T MRI equipment. FreeSurfer software was used to determine cortical and subcortical areas in both drug-resistant JME patients and healthy controls. A total of 20 participants were included in the study, of whom four (20%) were drug-resistant JME patients and 16% (80%) were healthy controls. The clusters with statistically significant differences in cortical thickness are located in the precentral gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, transverse temporal gyrus, medial temporal gyrus and supramarginal gyrus, predominantly in the left hemisphere. Structural brain changes are observed in patients with drug-resistant JME that may go undetected by the conventional processing techniques used in magnetic resonance imaging.

Research on Maintenance Management of Equipment of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Based on RAM

To optimize the maintenance quality management of MRI equipment and ensure the quality and safety of its clinical use. The data of failure time and repair time of a MRI equipment in three years were collected by magnetic resonance repair report system, and then the reliability, availability and maintainability(RAM) were studied and analyzed. The results of reliability analysis showed that the communication module was the key subsystem of the MRI equipment. The results of usability analysis showed that RF module was a key subsystem of MRI equipment. Maintainability results showed that the proportion of the MRI equipment not fully utilized due to maintenance-related problems was 2.58%. In order to improve the availability of MRI equipment, the maintenance time of MRI equipment should be shortened. RAM-based analysis of MRI equipment can help hospital equipment managers to carry out the work of operation optimization, maintenance strategy formulation and safety management of MRI equipment.

Evaluating the Quality of Optimal MRCP Image Using RT-2D-Compressed SENSE(CS)Turbo Spin Echo: Comparing Respiratory Triggering(RT)-2D-SENSE Turbo Spin Echo and Breath Hold-2D-Single-Shot Turbo Spin Echo.

This study aimed to select the pulse sequence providing the optimal MRCP image quality by applying various reduction and denoising level parameters—which could improve image quality and shorten examination time—to BH-2D-SSh TSE, RT- 2D-SENSE TSE, and RT-2D-Compressed SENSE(CS) TSE and then comparing and analyzing the obtained images. This study was carried out using 30 subjects (15 men and 15 women with a mean age of 53 ± 8.76 years) who underwent an MRCP test using 3.0T MRI equipment. These 30 subjects were composed of 20 patients (CHDD: 7; LC: 6; and IPMN: 7) and 10 volunteers without a disease. When the CS technique was used, five reduction values (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5) were used and four denoising levels (No, Weak, Medium, and Strong) were used. The existing SENSE method was based on a reduction value of 1, and other parameters were set the same. The image data of BH-2D-SSh TSE, RT-2D-SENSE TSE, and RT-CS-2D TSE used for the analysis were acquired in the coronal plane, and the acquired data underwent MIP post-processing for analysis. To compare these techniques, SNR and CNR were measured for six biliary duct images for the purpose of quantitative analysis, and qualitative analysis was performed on the sharpness of the duct, the overall quality of the image, and the motion artifact. The results of the quantitative and standard analyses showed that the RT-2D-CS TSE technique had the highest results for all IPMN, LC, and CHDD diseases (p < 0.05). Moreover, SNR and CNR were the highest when the reduction value was set to 1.3 and the denoising level was set to medium as the CS setting values (p < 0.05). Compared with the conventional RT-2D-SENSE TSE, the test time decreased by 20% and SNR and CNR increased by 14% on average. When conducting RT-2D-CS TSE, we found that it shortened the examination time and improved the image quality compared to the existing RT-2D-SENSE TSE. Unlike previous studies, this study using the RT technique shows that it is a useful MRI Pulse Sequence technique able to replace the BH-2D-SSh TSE and BH-3D-SENSE GRASE techniques, which require the patient to hold their breath during the test.