Multiparametric MR imaging for the characterization of microstructural damage in the human spinal cord

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Multiparametric MR imaging for the characterization of microstructural damage in the human spinal cord

Founding Body: Ministry of Health – NextGenerationEU: PNRR M6/C2 2023
Total grant: € 1M *
Principal Investigators: Silvia Capuani CNR-ISC (PI) and Michela Fratini of the CNR NANOTEC (Co. PI)
Other participants:
Project duration: 2024-2026
Website:


Abstract
The project aims to improve the diagnostics of spinal injuries and overcome the current limitations for a more effective and immediate therapy for patients. For this reason, new quantitative MRI methods in molecular diffusion will be used, such as anomalous diffusion models which allow the intrinsic resolution of the MRI to be increased. These models will initially be validated with ultra-high field (UHF) MRI and synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast tomography (SXPCT) and diffraction (SuXRD). The results obtained in vitro will then be translated into vivo using new technologies for motion correction in MRI.

References:
– Generic acquisition protocol for quantitative MRI of the spinal cord
doi: 10.1038/s41596-021-00588-0

– Transient Anomalous Diffusion MRI in Excised Mouse Spinal Cord: Comparison Among Different Diffusion Metrics and Validation With Histology
doi:10.3389/fnins.2021.797642