Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and X-ray Computerised Tomography (CT) have been essential in the identification and diagnosis of a wide range of disorders, although usually are insufficient in sensitivity for detecting subtle pathological alterations to the brain prior to the onset of clinical symptoms - at a time when prognosis for treatment is more favourable. In recent years, mechanical properties of the brain have been visualised and measured noninvasively with Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) with the aim of increasing the potential for early diagnosis.
The seminar will begin with an introduction to the various methods used for the acquisition and analysis of MRE data and studies that have specifically utilised MRE to investigate the human brain will be reviewed.
Through the conversion of MRE-derived measurements to shear stiffness (kPa) and, where possible, the loss tangent (rad), a summary of results for global brain tissue and grey and white matter across studies will be presented for healthy participants. In addition the extent to which MRE has revealed significant alterations to the brain in patients with neurological disorders will be assessed and discussed in terms of known pathophysiology.
Predictions will be offered regarding the trends for future MRE research.