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Advanced MR Imaging Visualization
and Segmentation Project*
The objectives of the Advanced MR Imaging Visualization and Segmentation project
were to develop, and more importantly integrate, advances in neuroscience imaging,
processing and data management in order to improve practical surgical target recognition
while achieving technical advances useful to the AFRL. This objective was made up of
several components:
- To utilize existing as well as develop new magnetic resonance (MR) technologies
to improve the medical imaging environment by allowing for image data acquisition
in a more rapid and precise manner.
- Employ the techniques of diffusion and perfusion imaging, task activation and
spectroscopy to improve information differentiation and classification at the
beginning of patient examination for optimum diagnosis, treatment and care.
- To advance functional imaging modalities, particularly Multi-Nuclear Spectroscopy
(MNS) and chemical shift imaging to determine behavioral characteristics of
several prominent neurological disorders including tumors (specifically the
aggressiveness of tumor), multiple sclerosis (MS) and epilepsy.
- To utilize a headset developed by the USAF/WSU that produces an auditory 3D
display as a means to abate claustrophobia experienced by patients subject
to MRI and MRS.
- To compare and contrast the utility and accuracy of MR-FLAIR in comparison
to computerized tomography (CT) in brain hemorrhage detection.
- To develop software and integrate the database and imaging modalities to
optimize use of the multiparametric data acquired from a multiplicity of
sources in a user-friendly, secure computer environment.
Major accomplishments
- Utilizing a multimodal approach including in vivo and in vitro MRS, CSI,
FLAIR, FSE-IR MR, and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) in
characterization of neurological diseases studied, this project demonstrated
clinical advances affecting patient outcomes. Our understanding of heretofore
unknown biochemical changes sheds insight into disease progression and may
impact the search for prevention and cure.
- Advances in image segmentation, database development, and creation of the
Internet Browser-Based Imaging Access networks and programs allowed for optimal
remote communication and utilization of data by clinicians in a rapidly and
easily acquired environment.
- An advance in noise reduction in the MR environment holds promise for making
MR available to greater numbers of patients and with greater safety at the present
and as higher power MR becomes available. A joint patent was filed for this devise
in conjunction with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Department of Acoustics.
- Providing the community with the first state-of -the-art neuroimaging capability
for the management of hyperacute stroke.
- A prototype device to alleviate claustrophobia in the MR environment was
developed and tested. This device may make MR available to a large category of
patients for whom this essential diagnostic tool was previously unavailable.
Figures
- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging
- Epileptic Seizure Foci Determination
- Hippocampal Volumetric Analysis
- Perfusion Imaging: Radiation Necrosis vs. Tumor Vascularization
- Advanced MR Imaging in Management of Stroke
- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- 3-D Reconstruction of a Brain Aneurysm
Project Staff
Bilal Ezzeddine, Ph.D., Principal Investigator. Dr. Ezzeddine has dual Ph.D.s in
computer science and biomedical engineering from Ohio State University. He has
14 years of experience in computer hardware and software, specifically as applied
to medical image acquisition, processing and visualization.
Mehdi Adineh, Ph.D., MRI Physicist. Dr. Adineh is a Ph.D.-level scientist
with extensive expertise in the application of magnetic resonance (MR) techniques
for biomedical research.
*Effort sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL-HEOX) Air
Force Material Command, USAF, under Cooperative Agreement F33615-98-2-6002. The U.S. government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for governmental purposes not withstanding any copyight notation thereon.
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