Magnetic Resonance Elastography as a Method to Estimate Stiffness of Soft Tissues
Arunark Kolipaka
Summary
Magnetic resonance elastography is a novel non-invasive MRI technique to obtain stiffness of soft tissues such as liver, heart, kidneys, etc. In this imaging technique a person is laid in an MR scanner and a paddle (plastic drum) is put on the area of interest to send sound vibration via a speaker placed outside the scan room which is connecting plastic drum via a plastic tube. These vibrations are scanned using MRI to estimate the stiffness of soft tissues such as liver, heart, kidneys, breast etc.
Description
Recently a new and novel noninvasive imaging-based technique known as Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) was developed that is capable of quantifying stiffness of soft tissues such as liver, spleen, kidney, heart brain, breast, aorta etc. In MRE a person is laid into an MR scanner which is similar to all MR scans. In addition, a drum (passive driver) is placed on the body (area close to the region of interest), which is connected by a long plastic tube that runs outside the scan room. This drum is tightly strapped by a Velcro to the body for better contact. Then the other end of the plastic…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: Any participant 18 years or older and are MR safe. Exclusion Criteria: That study participants will be excluded if they have any unapproved metal in their bodies, or if the volunteers are pregnant or possible of becoming pregnant. Also if the participants are claustrophobic.
Location
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbus, Ohio