Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have developed a method that enables the simultaneous detection of two different MRI contrast agents, according to Chris Flask, associate professor of Radiology, Biomedical Engineering, and Pediatrics, and director of the Imaging Resource Core at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
This new methodology uses two contrast agents at once, instead of the single contrast agent that current MRI techniques utilize, which could have significant implications in molecular imaging.
"This multi-agent detection capability has the potential to transform molecular imaging, as it provides a critical translational pathway for studies in patients," said Flask. It also provides a unique imaging platform to rigorously study molecular therapies." Therapies could include those targeting biomarkers or other detectable molecules associated with diseases.
The recent paper in Scientific Reports describes how two contrast agents, gadolinium and manganese, can be detected and independently quantified during MRIs. According to the authors, their results provide "an adaptable, quantitative imaging framework to assess two MRI contrast agents simultaneously for a wide variety of imaging applications."
The researchers have begun to investigate applications for the new MRI approach. "In this initial paper, we validated our new methodology, opening the possibility for numerous follow-on application studies in cancer, genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes," Flask explained.