Services

Our research focuses on the use of sophisticated modeling and processing techniques to improve image quality. Some of our research projects include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MR imaging techniques are available for researchers requiring high-resolution imaging of joints and soft tissues. Our staff provides expertise in design and implementation of imaging protocols, as well as close supervision during data acquisition.

We can modify or develop MRI acquisition protocols in order to address your specific clinical endpoint. Please contact us for further information.

3D SPGR 1-mm thick images of ankle (A) and knee (B) used for 3-dimensional reconstruction of cartilage surfaces.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)

Proton MRS allows non-invasive quantification of muscle metabolites, such as lipids, total creatine, and choline. Using this methodology, we are capable of differentiating and selectively measuring lipids located inside or in between muscle cells. This technique has been widely employed as a surrogate marker for insulin sensitivity in studies examining type 2 diabetics, obese and HIV-lipodystrophy patients.

Our MRS data is acquired on GE or Siemens scanners at 1.5T or 3.0T field strengths, and is analyzed with validated softwares such as LCModel and jMRUI.

We can modify or develop MRS acquisition protocols in order to address your specific clinical endpoint. Please contact us for further information.

Proton MRS spectrum of tibialis anterior muscle with peak fitting using LCModel (dark trace, fitted spectrum; thin trace, raw data; thin trace in top of figure, residual).

[1] IMCL (-CH3), intramyocellular lipid methyl protons at 0.9 ppm
[2] EMCL (-CH3), extramyocellular lipid methyl protons at 1.1 ppm
[3] IMCL (-CH2), intramyocellular lipid methylene protons at 1.3 ppm
[4] EMCL (-CH2), extramyocellular lipid methylene protons at 1.5 ppm
[5] TCr, total creatine (-CH3) resonance at 3.0 ppm
[6] TMA, trimethylamines, choline peak at 3.2 ppm

Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT)

QCT is a powerful method for assessment of body composition and bone mineral density (BMD).

Body composition
Using a single slice of the abdomen obtained at L4, a variety of adipose tissue compartments can be measured using dedicated software. Standard measurements include:

Intra-abdominal (visceral) fat area
Subcutaneous fat area
Total adipose tissue area
Total cross-sectional area

Single slice of abdomen obtained at L4, showing tracings for total abdominal area (red), abdominal subcutaneous fat area (tissue between red and yellow), and visceral fat (green).

Bone Mineral Density
QCT is widely employed for determination of bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine. This methodology bypasses certain limitations of DEXA planar acquisitions, and allows reliable estimates of BMD. We obtain CT slices at 4 lumbar levels and measure vertebral body density calibrated by a standard phantom.

CT slice showing measurement of attenuation values of vertebral body and standardized K2PO4 phantom for BMD determination.

We can modify or develop QCT protocols and measurement methodology in order to address your specific clinical endpoint. Please contact us for further information.

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