Magnetic Resonance Image Analysis

Our goal is to determine the impact  of age-related disorders on brain anatomy, function and blood flow. Evaluation of the relationships between blood flow alterations and structural abnormalities in the brain or other organs, and their impact on functional outcomes requires “registration” alignment of perfusion and anatomical images. Blood flow and vascular reactivity maps are measured using a noninvasive method called Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling and co-registered on high-resolution anatomical images using  3 Tesla MRI to assess perfusion abnormalities and structural defects in gray and white matter. Diffusion tensor imaging is used to assess integrity of white matter pathways. Ultrahigh field MRI at 8 Tesla is used to evaluate for high resolution anatomical imaging (Collaborative project with Dr. D. Alsop, Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging, BIDMC; Dr. P. Zhao, Dr. A. Abduljalil, Center for Ultra High Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The Ohio State University).

Anatomical morphometrics

High resolution anatomical images at 3 Tesla MRI
MP-RAGE - 3D magnetization prepared - rapid acquisition gradient echo imaging
GE-gradient echo imaging
FLAIR- fluid attenuated  inversion recovery imaging
DTI- diffusion tensor imaging
TOF- 3D time of flight imaging

  • Global and regional brain volumetric measures (white matter, gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid)
  • Region of interest measurement, e.g. hippocampus, periventricular white matter, white matter hyperintensities
  • Infarct volume and location
  • White matter hyperintensities volume and distribution

Vessel Analysis

MRI: 3 Tesla Time of Flight (TOF) image
Main technique: 3D image visualization
Applications:

  • Visualization and measurements of diameter and length of main arteries

Cerebral Blood Flow Measurement

MRI: 3 Tesla 3D Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling (CASL)
Main technique: non-invasive blood flow imaging and measurements of vascular reserve

  • Measurement of cerebral blood flow and its distribution
  • Measurement of vascular reserve to CO2 challenge
  • Perfusion and vasoreactivity measurements in vascular territories
  • Quantitative vascular reactivity and its distribution

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

  • Assessment of white matter integrity
  • Measurement of white matter pathways



Search