Fluid mechanics approach to tissue perfusion quantification in MRI
Our overall goal is to develop a fluid mechanics approach to studying tracer transport through tissue for perfusion quantification in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is termed as quantitative transport mapping (QTM). Current/traditional perfusion quantification in MRI and medical imaging in general is based on Kety's method that assumes the same arterial input globally into all voxels in...
Pharmacokinetic PET modeling of 18F-BPA-fructose in glioblastoma multiforme in BNCT
Dr. Dyke’s Ph.D. work focused on compartmental modeling of a novel tumor- specific PET tracer used for dose planning of radiation therapy. He implemented novel pharmacokinetic compartmental model fitting of metabolic uptake of this tracer in subjects presenting with glioblastoma multiforme brain tumors prior to therapy. Uptake results were used to produce dose treatment plans prior to a novel...
Hypertension, brain clearance and markers of neurodegeneration
Age is the strongest risk factor for brain diseases related to accumulation of misfolded proteins and also the risk for vascular diseases. So far, there is little evidence that excessive production of proteins forming brain deposits in neurodegenerative conditions contributes to their pathology. A reduced clearance of brain waste has emerged as a possible factor underlying disease development....
CSF clearance in sporadic Alzheimer's disease
A longitudinal study of elderly normal control and mild cognitive impairment subjects to examine the clearance deficit in early stages of Alzheimer's disease, association with brain amyloid burden, and features of neurodegeneration (atrophy and cognitive function).
Phase-Resolved Functional Lung (PREFUL) MRI of Ventilation and Perfusion in Premature Infants
We are pioneering the use of a novel phase-resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI protocol that does not require sedation, contrast administration, or radiation to measure ventilation, perfusion defects, and pulmonary perfusion in this vulnerable infant population. This information on lung function cannot be achieved by any other means. Our work at the new Alexandra Cohen Hospital for Women and...