Developments in magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging acquisition and analysis

Sawbridge, Rebecca Joanne (2018). Developments in magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging acquisition and analysis. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI), a functional MR imaging technique, has proven via the identification of metabolite biomarkers to be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of numerous diseases, for example brain tumours. However, a number of factors impede its routine clinical use: i) long acquisition times mean its use is limited to low resolution 2-dimensional slabs, ii) large quantity of data produced means its interpretation can be time consuming and iii) data quality can be variable and therefore interpretation can be difficult for a non-expert. Further developments in MRSI are designed to reduce the impact of these issues. The focus of this work is to address some of the above issues; developing acquisition protocols and optimising analysis methods in order to increase the clinical feasibility of MRSI. Within this study a fast-MRSI protocol has been developed for absolute metabolite quantitation and has demonstrated its feasibility for clinical use, accurately reproducing data in a shorter clinically feasible acquisition time. An experimentally derived fitting model has been developed which increases metabolite measurement accuracy. Finally, a 3D MRSI protocol has been successfully optimized allowing robust metabolite information to be mapped throughout the brain.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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