Human Imaging

What we can do for you

The Human Imaging Core (HIC) provides resources for structural and functional imaging and spectroscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) are available on our two 3 Tesla full body scanners or a 7 Tesla full body scanner. In addition to data acquisition, we support MRI and MRS protocol development, functional MRI (fMRI) experimental design, subject preparation, structural and functional image analysis, and training on image analysis techniques and tools. Additional resources available include optical coherence tomography (OCT), Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), PET/CT, and ultrasound.

Description

The Human Imaging Core is dedicated to the application of advanced and prototypical MRI methods to study specific organ systems of the human body such as: nervous (central and peripheral), muscular-skeletal, cardio-pulmonary, and integumentary systems. Additionally, many ongoing projects focus on development and validation of novel MRI biomarkers for the assessment of numerous diseases (e.g. cancer, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, concussion), conditions (cognitive impairment, learning disability), and normal function (activation of the human brain, sensitivity to pain). Specifically, our researchers are working on MRI methods sensitive to 1) tissue anisotropy, 2) tissue composition, 3) tissue metabolism, and 4) tissue function.

Information

Training

Project Resources

Scanning Resources

Screening Forms

Scheduling

Documentation

3 Tesla MRI Scanners

 

94 cm bore Philips Intera Achieva MR whole-body imager/spectrometers. Both represent state-of-the-art systems with excellent gradient performance (80 mT/m gradient strength, 200T/m/s slew-rate), 32 independent digital receiver channels, dual-channel excitation (one of the two systems). The 3 T scanners are operated as full-time research instruments, and not as clinical facilities. Both 3 T systems have Philips peripheral pulse, respiratory and cardiac gating capabilities as well as audio/visual presentation equipment available.

 
7 Tesla MRI Scanner

 

90 cm bore Philips Achieva whole-body MR imager/spectrometer. The scanner has a moving bed and an intercom system for communication between investigators and subjects. The system has the same software, pulse-programming environment, and pulse sequences as current 3 T Philips scanners. The 7 T system has Philips peripheral pulse, respiratory and cardiac gating capabilities as well as audio/visual presentation equipment available.

 
Mock Scanner

 

This laboratory consists of an inactive scanner identical to that of our research systems, and includes an audio system for playing reproductions of scanner noises. This laboratory is designed to introduce patients, particularly children, to the environment in the actual scanner, and to screen for claustrophobia.

 
Exercise Physiology

 

Oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin concentration changes can be recorded using the portable 24-channel Hitachi ETG-4000 Near Infra-Red Optical Tomography system.

 
Optical Coherence Tomography

 

SPECTRALIS OCT is a non-invasive ophthalmic multimodality imaging instrument which uses near-infrared light to visualize and measure the thickness of retinal layers. Real time tracking of the retinal structures can be used to detect early signs of eye conditions, diabetes, and coronary events. Click here for a video!

 
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)

 

The Hologic Horizon series W scanner incorporates 128 multi-channel detectors (2mm) consisting of CdWO4 scintillators coupled to silicon diodes, an indexing table, and motorized C-arm. The x-ray tube operates with a fan beam and a single pass acquisition with switching pulsating dual-energy x-rays. It operates at 100kV and 140kV, 2.5mA average at 25% duty cycle, 5.0mA average at 50% duty cycle (30s maximum) with a tungsten target to obtain high quality and high precision analyses for bone density and total body DXA scans.

 
Positron Emission Tomography and Computerized Tomography

 

94 cm bore Philips Intera Achieva MR whole-body imager/spectrometers. Both represent state-of-the-art systems with excellent gradient performance (80 mT/m gradient strength, 200T/m/s slew-rate), 32 independent digital receiver channels, dual-channel excitation (one of the two systems). The 3 T scanners are operated as full-time research instruments, and not as clinical facilities. Both 3 T systems have Philips peripheral pulse, respiratory and cardiac gating capabilities as well as audio/visual presentation equipment available.

 
Ultrasonography

 

The Philips Epiq 7G mobile ultrasound device features an xMatrix transducer that provides 2D, 3D/4D, real-time xPlane, real-time MPR, MPR, Doppler, Color Doppler and CPA imaging. The PureWave and nSIGHT transducer technology allows for precise resolution for every pixel. With the MaxVue high-definition display offers 1,179,648 additional image pixels, which provides 38% more viewing area to optimize the display of dual, side/side, biplane, and scrolling imaging modes. This unit offers a multimodal analysis package including: Vascular, Adult Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology, OB, Fetal Echo, TCD, Abdominal, Breast, Musculoskeletal, Urology, MicroFlow Imaging, Doppler, Panoramic 2D, 3D Color, Real Time 3D, 4D imaging, and stress protocols.