Selective filters of translational molecular diffusion dynamics in human brain microstruc- tures

ANALIA ZWICK

Congreso; ISMRM 2024; 2024

ISMRM The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine

Contributed Talk, May 2024 - ISMRM – The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in MedicineMotivation: Our primary aim is to enhance non-invasive tissue-microstructure characterization as a diagnostic paradigm through advanced MRI methods.Goals: We explore microscopic tortuosity in human white matter using the Non-uniform Oscillating-Gradient Spin-Echo (NOGSE) contrast in a clinical 3T MRI scanner.Approach: The NOGSE contrast was obtained by subtracting distinct OGSE acquisitions, allowing the discrimination of signals from molecules within specific brain compartments.Results: We found restriction sizes consistent with human histological findings and evidence that the dominant signals originate from extra-axonal spaces, supporting microscopic tortuosity effects. This compartment-size specific contrast opens a path for diagnosis based on quantitative imaging.Impact: We characterize microscopic tortuosity mechanisms in human brain white matter through the Non-uniform Oscillating-Gradient Spin-Echo contrast, which targets the signal of confined molecules in specific microscopic sizes. This novel contrast, demonstrated at 3T MRI, promises a quantitative tissue-microstructure paradigm for medical diagnosis of diseases.