Breakthroughs towards high-resolution MR relaxometry within a clinically acceptable acquisition time for improved detection of brain diseases.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most used neuroimaging techniques. Unfortunately, signal intensities in conventional MRI images are expressed in relative units that are dependent on hardware and software. This does not hinder visual inspection of anatomy, but severely complicates quantitative comparisons of the signal intensity within a scan, between successive scans, and between subjects. In contrast, MR relaxometry is an MRI technique that generates quantitative maps of absolute biophysical tissue characteristics (Deoni et al., 2010). Evidence is growing that MR relaxometry detects subtle microscopic tissue damage, which could lead to earlier diagnosis of various brain diseases including multiple sclerosis (Vrenken et al., 2006; Roosendaal et al., 2009 and Papadopoulos et al., 2010). Conventional MR relaxometry techniques, however, inherently require long scan times that impede the introduction in clinical practice. From a diagnostic perspective, long scan times increase the likelihood of motion artefacts, whereas from an economical perspective they reduce the throughput. In addition, long scan times cause discomfort for patients. For these reasons, MR relaxometry hasn't convinced the radiology community yet. The current project proposal aims to overcome these barriers by developing a radically new widely-applicable technological framework for accelerating MR relaxometry. At the end of this IOF SBO project, the feasibility and validity of our new approach for accelerated MR relaxometry will have been demonstrated. For final translation of the technology towards the market (and patients) we will team-up will industrial partners. Moreover, three companies (two MRI vendors and one specialized SME) already agreed to join the Industry Advisory Board and will support the project by providing early feedback. Finally, from a strategic perspective, this project bridges fundamental MR physics with applied bio-medical neuroimaging-MRI research. As such the project promotes cross-fertilization between the three Antwerp MRI-research groups (and faculties) involved. Hence, this research will enforce the mission and ambition of the University of Antwerp and its IOF consortium (Expert Group Antwerp Molecular imaging, EGAMI-image) to develop an IP portfolio and a strong translational and integrated MRI research program.

Keywords:MRI, PARAMETER ESTIMATION, NEURO-IMAGING

Disciplines:Multimedia processing, Biological system engineering, Signal processing, Medical imaging and therapy, Other paramedical sciences