Overview

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging tool for pre-clinical and clinical research. It provides highly detailed images (sub millimeter spatial resolution) of the tissues in the body with many different contrast mechanisms.  MRI allows mapping in 3-dimensions of anatomical and physiological features including: blood flow, perfusion, water diffusion, interstitial fluid pressure, vessel permeability, characterization of metabolic and biochemical processes by means of  spectroscopy (MRS), as well as mapping of metabolic information (chemical shift imaging), and more. 

 

Functional MRI (fMRI) is an MRI technique that allows measuring and mapping brain activity. The method is being used in a growing number of studies to map and learn about brain processes of sensory stimuli, language, memory, emotions, and social skills by challenging the subject with simple or complex stimuli or tasks while inside the magnet. The method also allows mapping and understanding the relationship between the structure and function of the various brain areas in healthy subjects and in various pathologies.

 MRI and fMRI, Human MRI

 

Selected Applications

Outcome

T1w and T2w  Imaging

Anatomic structural MRI 

BOLD, FMRI

Brain activity mapping

DWI/DTI

Water diffusion mapping and tissue architecture

Perfusion

Blood flow and blood volume mapping

MRS / CSI

Metabolic spectroscopy and imaging

SWI

Mapping of tissue susceptibility changes caused by various compounds, such as blood, iron and calcium

 

Applications and Equipment in Service

 

MRI MRI

3T Human MRI, Magnetom Prisma (Siemens)

A whole body MRI system with the capability to map brain activity, anatomy, and metabolism, as well as to provide detailed images and spectroscopy of whole body organs.

7T Human MRI, Magnetom Terra (Siemens)

A whole body ultra high field system equipped with hardware for brain and knee 1H imaging and spectroscopy.

 

Both systems include a full range of MR compatible peripheral devices that can be used for fMRI studies: A visual system for presenting high-quality visual stimuli, headphones, response devices (fORP, Current Designs), a dual channel fiber optic microphone system (Optoacoustics), an eye tracking system (EyeLink), and a system for physiological data monitoring and acquisition (BIOPAC MP150/MP160), including pulse and respiration. Additionally, the facility includes an MRI simulator – a non magnetic replication of the 3T MR environment to familiarize and train the participants with the research setup.