Johns Hopkins University

Kennedy Krieger Institute, Inc.

City University of Hong Kong

Jiadi Xu

Peter C Van Zijl

Michael T McMahon

Xiaolei Song

Nirbhay Yadav

Jianpan Huang

Lin Chen

Kannie Wai Yan Chan

A method of assessing the brain lymphatic or glymphatic system and the glucose transporter function on blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) of a subject using D-glucose or a D-glucose analog. A spatial map is generated of water MR signals that are sensitized to changes in D-glucose or a D-glucose analog in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the subject. The spatial map is observed at one or more time points before, one or more time points during, and one or more time points after, raising the blood level of the D-glucose or a D-glucose analog in the subject CSF. A difference is detected between the MR signals of the spatial map before, during, and after raising the blood level of D-glucose or a D-glucose analog. A physiological parameter associated with the brain lymphatic or glymphatic system and the glucose transporter function on BCSFB of the subject is ascertained based on the detected difference.

D-glucose and its analogs as tracers to assess the glucose transporter function on blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and the functioning of the brain lymphatic system

A novel approach for CEST MR imaging is called Multi-echo Length and Offset VARied Saturation (Me-LOVARS) CEST. This method allows efficient collection of additional CEST data without penalty in scan time, which could be useful for enhancing the contrast, increasing the specificity or improving quantification of exchange. As CEST-MRI has shown promise at both the pre-clinical and clinical levels, including for detecting and grading brain tumors and evaluating ischemia, using either endogenous CEST contrast or through administration of CEST contrast agents. This fast and robust imaging method is suitable for accelerating image collection and widening the scope of applications for CEST-MRI.

Multi-echo length and offset varied saturation (Me-LOVARS) method for chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MR imaging

An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a new MRI method to image the buildup of exchange transfer processes from nuclei in mobile solute molecules in tissue via another molecule (e.g. solvent such as water). The pulse sequence can detect Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST), relayed Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (rNOE) CEST, and selective induced exchange transfer processes. Further, the proposed MRI pulse sequence involves acquiring two or more images with a difference in waiting period (delay) after a radiofrequency excitation, saturation pulse, or series of such pulses. This produces a series of exchange transfer images sensitive to the speed of transfer of changes in magnetization. Subtracting two images or fitting a time series produces maps with minimum interference from direct water saturation and from semi-solid magnetization transfer and other fast exchanging protons.

Magnetic resonance system and method for detecting the buildup of the transfer of changes in magnetization from nuclei in mobile solute molecules in tissue

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Lutherville, MD, United States of America

Jiadi Xu