Research Project Descriptions:
Characterization of Myocardial Tissue
This collection of projects involves the measurement of MRI parameters - T1, T2, T2* - in human and animal myocardium with high spatial resolution. Particular focus is paid to the impact of microenvironment changes due to changes in oxygen concentration, microvascular volume, and pharmacologic stressors.
Oxygen Enhancement Effect in Human Lung at 3T
Inhaled oxygen can be used as a contrast agent that in the lungs provides insight into integrated lung function - ventilation, diffusion, and perfusion. This technique, demonstrated at 1.5T, is being adapted for 3T with the unique challenges of that field strength.
Measurement of Pulmonary Perfusion
Utilizing MRI, we have demonstrated normal pulmonary perfusion patterns with a level of detail beyond that extant in MRI literature and consistent with physiology literature. Focus is now shifted to the development of a low dose computed tomography method for absolute measurement of pulmonary perfusion that can be used repeatedly and at short intervals (seconds or minutes) to study rapid responses to drug interventions.
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Cardiovascular Imaging