Novel Imaging and Spectroscopy Technique Unveiled
By MedImaging International staff writers Posted on 18 Oct 2016 |
Image: The directional emission of 164-keV γ-rays from the nuclei of the 131mXe radioactive tracer (Photo courtesy of Nature).
Researchers have demonstrated a new imaging technique that combines nuclear imaging using gamma-ray cameras and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
The research was published online on September 29, 2016, in the journal Nature. The combined imaging and spectroscopic modality uses the spatial information encoded into the spin orientations of very small quantities of a polarized radioactive tracer. The Polarized Nuclear Imaging (PNI) modality uses both Radio Frequency (RF) and magnetic-field gradients and obtains imaging information by detecting gamma rays. The modality requires only a single gamma ray detector, instead of a gamma ray camera.
The researchers from the University of Virginia (UVA; Charlottesville, VA, USA) produced images and spectra from a glass cell containing only a tiny quantity of 131mXe, a metastable isomer. The researchers polarized the isomer using a laser technique called spin-exchange optical pumping. The glass cell contained approximately 4 × 1013 atoms (around 1 millicurie) of the isomer.
According to the researchers, if they had filled the cell with water and used conventional MRI imaging, then they would have needed 1024 water molecules, billions of molecules more than the radioactive tracer. This new highly sensitivity technique could lead to a new class of nuclear medicine tracers and expanded applications for magnetic resonance imaging. The tiny quantity of radioactive tracer needed for the new imaging technique means that it would result in a much smaller radiation dose for imaging subjects.
Related Links:
University of Virginia
The research was published online on September 29, 2016, in the journal Nature. The combined imaging and spectroscopic modality uses the spatial information encoded into the spin orientations of very small quantities of a polarized radioactive tracer. The Polarized Nuclear Imaging (PNI) modality uses both Radio Frequency (RF) and magnetic-field gradients and obtains imaging information by detecting gamma rays. The modality requires only a single gamma ray detector, instead of a gamma ray camera.
The researchers from the University of Virginia (UVA; Charlottesville, VA, USA) produced images and spectra from a glass cell containing only a tiny quantity of 131mXe, a metastable isomer. The researchers polarized the isomer using a laser technique called spin-exchange optical pumping. The glass cell contained approximately 4 × 1013 atoms (around 1 millicurie) of the isomer.
According to the researchers, if they had filled the cell with water and used conventional MRI imaging, then they would have needed 1024 water molecules, billions of molecules more than the radioactive tracer. This new highly sensitivity technique could lead to a new class of nuclear medicine tracers and expanded applications for magnetic resonance imaging. The tiny quantity of radioactive tracer needed for the new imaging technique means that it would result in a much smaller radiation dose for imaging subjects.
Related Links:
University of Virginia
Latest MRI News
- Diamond Dust Could Offer New Contrast Agent Option for Future MRI Scans
- Combining MRI with PSA Testing Improves Clinical Outcomes for Prostate Cancer Patients
- PET/MRI Improves Diagnostic Accuracy for Prostate Cancer Patients
- Next Generation MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Ushers In Future of Incisionless Neurosurgery
- Two-Part MRI Scan Detects Prostate Cancer More Quickly without Compromising Diagnostic Quality
- World’s Most Powerful MRI Machine Images Living Brain with Unrivaled Clarity
- New Whole-Body Imaging Technology Makes It Possible to View Inflammation on MRI Scan
- Combining Prostate MRI with Blood Test Can Avoid Unnecessary Prostate Biopsies
- New Treatment Combines MRI and Ultrasound to Control Prostate Cancer without Serious Side Effects
- MRI Improves Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
- Combined PET-MRI Scan Improves Treatment for Early Breast Cancer Patients
- 4D MRI Could Improve Clinical Assessment of Heart Blood Flow Abnormalities
- MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Prostate Cancer
- AI-Based MRI Tool Outperforms Current Brain Tumor Diagnosis Methods
- DW-MRI Lights up Small Ovarian Lesions like Light Bulbs
- Abbreviated Breast MRI Effective for High-Risk Screening without Compromising Diagnostic Accuracy