Magnetic Resonance Characterization of Axonal Response to Spinal Cord Injury
Abstract
Assessment of axon health in spinal cord injury (SCI) is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely performed in patients and provides valuable information about cord edema and hemorrhage. However, comprehensive prediction of axonal changes from in vivo MR imaging remains elusive. At the U. Penn site, we are applying two novel MRI methods to the problem of assessment of axonal loss, axonal diameter distribution, and myelin loss (qspace imaging (QSI) and ultra-short echo-time (UTE) MRI) first on animal specimens and then on human subjects. During the reporting period we have further developed the method for myelin detection and quantification by direct observation of the myelin protons. However, given the hardware problems on the Bruker DFX-400 microimaging system (detailed in the report below) we have instead of focusing on measurements in the mouse spinal cord, worked toward myelin quantification on a clinical scanner, which will eventually enable measurements in humans. Specifically, we have been able to unambiguously detect and quantify the signal from extracted and regenerated bovine myelin using a novel zero-echo-time (ZTE) pulse sequence at 3 Tesla field strength.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA599061
Entities
People
- Felix W. Wehrli
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania