Abstract
This report presents a new method for automatic scan prescription planning of both the scan planes and Navigator Tracker locations in MRI liver scanning. A 3D dataset acquired using a fast T1 sequence is preprocessed and converted to 2D projection images to avoid the need for complicated and time-consuming 3D segmentation. A 2D active shape model (ASM) is applied to the 2D coronal projection data, and the external shape of the liver dataset is initially extracted based on a rough estimate of the inferior edge of the liver from the 2D projection dataset. The scan plane locations are determined from the inferior and superior edges of the shape model. Navigator Tracker, which is used for motion-compensated MR abdominal MR scanning, establishes the location by selecting one of the landmarks in the ASM. Datasets obtained from 38 volunteers were tested. Good results were obtained, suggesting that this method may prove to be useful for clinical diagnosis.
