Development of "All in one MRI" encompassing CT information using ZTE sequence

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K07712
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 52040:Radiological sciences-related
• Research Institution: Keio University (2023); St. Luke's International University (2021-2022)
• Principal Investigator: NOZAKI Taiki 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 准教授 (80769646)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 原 武史 岐阜大学, 工学部, 教授 (10283285) ; 寺田 康彦 筑波大学, 数理物質系, 准教授 (20400640) ; 松迫 正樹 聖路加国際大学, 聖路加国際病院, 医長 (90209528)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: MRI / ZTEシーケンス / CT like image / 最適化 / 臨床応用 / 人工知能

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to apply bone cortical imaging using ZTE sequences to routine MRI, we developed optimal imaging conditions in the shoulder, knee, and sacroiliac joint regions for clinical application. As a result, we were able to clarify which cases can guarantee image quality that can omit CT, and which cases cannot be visualized by CT but require improvement in some areas. We also showed that it is possible to improve the CT-like image created from the ZTE sequence to be closer to the gold standard CT image by using artificial intelligence technology such as cycle GAN.
The results of our study suggest that “All in one MRI” which means MRI including CT information can be applied to daily clinical setting to reduce the physical burden on patients and the cost of medical care.

Free Research Field

放射線医学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ZTEシーケンスを用いた骨皮質イメージング技術を日常診療のMRIへ導入可能であることを示せたことは、従来のGold standardであるCT検査を代替可能となりうることを意味する。従って、関節疾患の診療に関わる整形外科や膠原病科領域において、幅広い疾患の診断や治療効果判定にCT検査を削減して、MRIのみでの評価が可能となりうる。このことは受診者の身体的・精神的負担のみならず、医療費削減においても大きな貢献をもたらす可能性が高いといえ、学術のみならず社会的意義も大きいと考えられる。