Neurology & Neuro-Imaging

Overview

CTIPM's advanced imaging techniques enable physicians to better diagnose and treat patients suffering from neurologic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, primary and metastatic brain tumors, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.

CTI Service: Post-Processing for Quantitative Segmental Volume Reporting and Assessment

3-Dimensional Image Acquisition and CTI Post Processing Allows Precise Tracking and Quantification of Neurodegeneration

A 73 year old patient with memory complaints was imaged using CTI's Post-Processing for Quantitative Segmental Volume Assessment. At baseline, the patient showed lower-than-expected volumes of the brain's memory structures (Left image, in yellow). Two years later, the same patient was imaged again (Right image).

Providing quantification of interval change, CTI's precise image registration and segmentation also allows the radiologist to view the exact same slice position, regardless of head positioning, yielding improved visualization of change across time. As can be seen, the images provide objective support for an ongoing neurodegenerative process. The patient was subsequently enrolled in a clinical trial of a new Alzheimer's disease therapeutic.

Quantitative imaging, the practice of extracting quantifiable information from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as advanced MR imaging techniques can help physicians better diagnose and treat patients with various neurological diseases.

For example, in neurodegenerative conditions that impair memory, this approach to imaging can help physicians measure the location and severity of brain damage impacting memory, enabling them to more precisely diagnose and treat their patients. In the field of neuro-oncology, quantitative imaging as well as advanced diffusion weighted imaging (also known as Restriction Spectrum Imaging, or RSI-MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and magnetic resonance perfusion (MRP) help clinicians to provide more accurate diagnoses and prognoses and to better assess how patients are responding to treatments.

Clinical Applications

Precision Quantitative Brain Imaging

Volumetric assessment of regional brain atrophy and tumor volumes with quantitative tracking of change across time
Precise registration of images, for improved visual assessment of subtle change across time
Distortion correction and cross-modality registration of brain imaging acquisitions, for improved multimodal assessment of regional disease
Automated delineation and quantitative assessment of brain fiber tracts
Three-dimensional real-time motion correction of acquired MR images
Advanced diffusion-weighted imaging, for assessment of brain tissue microstructure and improved characterization of brain tumors
Automated and quantitative assessment of amyloid and FDG Positron Emission Tomography data
Clinical fMRI, for pre-surgical brain mapping

Disease Applications

Neuro-Oncology:

Distortion correction of MR images for surgical and radiation planning
Measurement of tumor volumes, edema, and necrosis
Fiber tract visualization and measurement with correction for distortions
Incorporation of post-processed data into surgical and radiation planning software

Memory Loss:

Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment:
- Quantitative assessment of age-related atrophy
- Quantitative assessment of amyloid and FDG PET data
Sports-related concussion and other traumatic brain injury:
- Assessment of regional volume and longitudinal change across time
- Quantitative assessment of brain fiber tracts

Movement Disorders:

Quantitative assessment of basal ganglia, brainstem, and cerebellar structures and improved delineation of subcortical structures of interest
Assessment of anatomical asymmetry

Multiple Sclerosis:

Longitudinal assessment of white matter and grey matter atrophy
Quantification of demyelinating plaque burden and change across time to assess treatment response or failure
Quantitative assessment of brain fiber tracts

Epilepsy:

Hippocampal atrophy and asymmetry assessment
Quantitative PET reporting

Developmental/Congenital Disorders:

Volumetric assessment of regional brain anatomy
Comparison to genetically characterized normative database for pediatric population
Three-dimensional real-time motion correction for improved image quality