The General Hospital Corporation

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Skelscan, Inc.

Jerome L Ackerman

Melvin J Glimcher

Yaotang Wu

Daniel Merfeld

Chandrasekhar Ramanathan

A magnetic resonance imaging ('MRI') system that can be operated while a subject performs, experiences, or otherwise undergoes naturalistic motion. This movable MRI ('mMRI') system includes a magnet whose position and orientation can be changed while the subject is moving, such that the magnet and subject maintain a substantially fixed spatial relationship relative to each other.

Systems and methods for moving magnetic resonance imaging

An apparatus and technique for measuring volumetric, 3-D bone organic matrix density is described. The techniques includes providing a first pulse sequence fragment selected to suppress at least two fluid resonance signals and providing a second pulse sequence fragment which images at least solid signals. In one embodiment, a series of RF pulses used to suppress fluid in the bone marrow spaces, particularly in cancellous bone tissue, is combined with solid state projection reconstruction magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide a three-dimensional image of a bone in which the dominant signal arises substantially from solid organic bone matrix.

Method and apparatus for quantitative bone matrix imaging by magnetic resonance imaging

Principles of magnetic resonance are employed to generate data, such as image intensity data, reflecting the spatial distribution of one or more isotopes carried in a solid-state specimen such as bone. The spatial distribution data can be employed, e.g., to calculate bone mineral density and/or degree of mineralization.

Solid-state magnetic resonance imaging

Methods and apparatus for characterizing bone mineral characteristics using differential cross polarization magnetic resonance methods are disclosed. According to one embodiment the method includes a step of producing a static magnetic field in a sample that includes first and second spin species where the second spin species has an unknown property. The method also includes a step of producing a state of dipolar order in spins of the first species in the sample. In addition, the method includes providing an RF field in the sample that is resonant with spins of the second species and then shifting the RF field by 180.degree.. Then a signal representative of the unknown property of the second species in the sample may be acquired. Apparatus for performing the above method are also disclosed.

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Newton, MA, United States of America

Jerome L Ackerman