Patent ID: 6807441
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
A method for producing an image of a patient's brain using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the steps comprising:a) injecting a contrast agent which alters the T1 relaxation constant in blood flowing through the patient's brain; b) acquiring two time course image data sets using the MRI system during the first passage of the contrast agent through the patient's brain with a pulse sequence in which gradient-recalled NMR signals are acquired to form one time course image data set and in which spin-echo NMR signals are acquired to form a second time course image data set; c) producing a relative cerebral blood volume image (rCBV) using images reconstructed from NMR signals in one of the time course image data sets; and d) correcting the rCBV image for leakage of contrast agent out of the patient's vasculature.