New MRI Technique Offers New Capabilities and Earlier Detection
By MedImaging International staff writers Posted on 29 Aug 2017 |
Image: Maps of the estimated gadolinium and manganese concentration from the DC-MRF technique (Photo courtesy of CWRU School of Medicine).
Researchers in the US have developed a new MRI technique that uses two contrast agents in parallel to map multiple characteristics in a single scan.
The new technique, Dual Contrast - Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (DC-MRF) could be used for research, or to improve disease diagnosis by targeting molecules associated with disease, and other biomarkers. The researchers used gadolinium (Gd) and manganese (Mn) contrast agents that can be detected and quantified independently during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.
The researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (CWRU; Cleveland, OH, USA) published their findings in the August 16, 2017, online issue of the journal Nature Scientific Reports. The authors included clinicians, engineers, nurses, basic science researchers, and members of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.
According to the authors, the new technique could be used for a wide range of imaging applications, and provides an adaptable, quantitative imaging framework for assessing the different contrast agents simultaneously. The technique will also provide clinicians with a new and unique imaging platform for studying molecular therapies.
Associate Professor of Radiology, Biomedical Engineering, and Pediatrics, Chris Flask, PhD, said, "The method we developed enables, for the first time, the simultaneous detection of two different MRI contrast agents. This multi-agent detection capability has the potential to transform molecular imaging, as it provides a critical translational pathway for studies in patients. Two contrast agents could include one specifically targeting diseased tissue, and one designed to show healthy tissue, for example. In this initial paper, we validated our new methodology, opening the possibility for numerous follow-on application studies in cancer, genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes."
Related Links:
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
The new technique, Dual Contrast - Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (DC-MRF) could be used for research, or to improve disease diagnosis by targeting molecules associated with disease, and other biomarkers. The researchers used gadolinium (Gd) and manganese (Mn) contrast agents that can be detected and quantified independently during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.
The researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (CWRU; Cleveland, OH, USA) published their findings in the August 16, 2017, online issue of the journal Nature Scientific Reports. The authors included clinicians, engineers, nurses, basic science researchers, and members of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.
According to the authors, the new technique could be used for a wide range of imaging applications, and provides an adaptable, quantitative imaging framework for assessing the different contrast agents simultaneously. The technique will also provide clinicians with a new and unique imaging platform for studying molecular therapies.
Associate Professor of Radiology, Biomedical Engineering, and Pediatrics, Chris Flask, PhD, said, "The method we developed enables, for the first time, the simultaneous detection of two different MRI contrast agents. This multi-agent detection capability has the potential to transform molecular imaging, as it provides a critical translational pathway for studies in patients. Two contrast agents could include one specifically targeting diseased tissue, and one designed to show healthy tissue, for example. In this initial paper, we validated our new methodology, opening the possibility for numerous follow-on application studies in cancer, genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes."
Related Links:
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Latest MRI News
- 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
- New MRI Method Detects Alzheimer’s Earlier in People without Clinical Signs