Micro-anatomical characterization of central white matter using magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Most magnetic resonance imaging techniques offer tissue contrast but provide limited information regarding the variation of the magnetic resonance signal that exists on a smaller scale. The magnetic resonance signal arising from a heterogeneous tissue, such as spinal cord white matter, is the sum of signals from each tissue compartment within the imaging voxel. Analysis of this signal can better characterize the micro-anatomical heterogeneity tissue, white matter in particular. Many questions remain with regard to the compartmental contributions for the various types of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast. This project utilizes a variety of in vitro studies as well as simulations to better characterize the contribution of different water compartments to conventional MRI methods. Such an understanding of the complex combination of the various relaxation and exchange properties is important in developing an anatomical basis for interpreting magnetization transfer and T2 weighted images, particularly with respect to myelination.