News • Magnetic resonance imaging

Multicolor MRIs could aid disease detection

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have developed a method that could make magnetic resonance imaging—MRI—multicolor.

Pixabay/toubibe (Montage: healthcare-in-europe.com)

Current MRI techniques rely on a single contrast agent injected into a patient’s veins to vivify images. The new method uses two at once, which could allow doctors to map multiple characteristics of a patient’s internal organs in a single MRI. The strategy could serve as a research tool and even aid disease diagnosis.

“The method we developed enables, for the first time, the simultaneous detection of two different MRI contrast agents,” said Chris Flask, PhD, Associate Professor of Radiology, Biomedical Engineering, and Pediatrics, and Director of the Imaging Resource Core at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Two contrast agents could include one specifically targeting diseased tissue, and one designed to show healthy tissue, for example. The new method would enable immediate comparisons of how each agent distributes in the same patient.

This multi-agent detection capability has the potential to transform molecular imaging

Chris Flask

“This multi-agent detection capability has the potential to transform molecular imaging, as it provides a critical translational pathway for studies in patients,” said Flask. It also provides a unique imaging platform to rigorously study molecular therapies.” Therapies could include those targeting biomarkers or other detectable molecules associated with diseases.

Flask and colleagues recently described their new method in Nature Scientific Reports. The paper describes how two contrast agents, gadolinium and manganese, can be detected and independently quantified during MRIs. The authors span 11 departments at Case Western Reserve, uniting engineers, nurses, clinicians, and basic science researchers. They also include several members of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. According to the authors, their results provide “an adaptable, quantitative imaging framework to assess two MRI contrast agents simultaneously for a wide variety of imaging applications.”

The researchers have begun to investigate widespread practical applications for the new MRI approach. Said Flask, “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.”


Source: Case Western Reserve University

17.08.2017

Read all latest stories

Related articles

Photo

News • Transient ischemic attack

Incomplete imaging for TIA emergencies increases stroke risk

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) emergency department (ED) encounters with incomplete neurovascular imaging were associated with higher odds of subsequent stroke within 90 days, a new study finds.

Photo

News • Potential for energy, cost and emission reduction

Research proves eco-impact of MRI machine operation changes

A research partnership has proven medical centers can achieve significant carbon reduction and cost savings by turning off or putting MRIs into the lowest power setting when not in use.

Photo

News • Neonatology

Portable MRI in pediatric ECMO patients: promising premiere

The neonatology team at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) has conducted the world's first study of children receiving ECMO therapy using a mobile MRI scanner.

Related products

Accutron MR

Injectors

Medtron AG · Accutron MR

MEDTRON AG
Accutron MR3

Injectors

Medtron AG · Accutron MR3

MEDTRON AG
Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine for MR

Artificial Intelligence

Canon · Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine for MR

Canon Medical Systems Europe B.V.
Airis Vento Plus

Open

Fujifilm · Airis Vento Plus

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH
Aperto Lucent Plus

Open

Fujifilm · Aperto Lucent Plus

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH
BI 6 Comfort Coil

MRI Coils

Noras · BI 6 Comfort Coil

Noras MRI products GmbH
Subscribe to Newsletter