Research focus
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging technique for a number of medical conditions. However, the present technology has its limitations in resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Furthermore, the applied contrast agents incorporate substances with potentially severe side effects. Hyperpolarized compounds have proven to enhance the MR signal by several orders of magnitude.
The aim of this project is to demonstrate that hyperpolarized water can be applied as a contrast agent, and to develop and optimize the procedures involved.
Challenges include maximizing polarization, quenching of the radical in the dissolution of the solid sample into an injectable formulation and optimizing the imaging sequences to exploit the hyperpolarized signal for best possible contrast and SNR.
The increased MR signal obtained with hyperpolarized water enables coronary angiography within a single cardiac cycle; something which is not currently possible with MR.
Other research activities include hyperpolarized 13C MRI for metabolic imaging.
Scientific output
Find Kasper's publications at DTU's online research database ORBIT.
Funding
The project is funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark, Technology and Production Sciences (DFF – 0602-02729B) and DTU Elektro. The project is part of the HYPERMAG Center of Excellence funded by Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF124).
Supervisors
Professor Jan Ardenkjær-Larsen and Associate Professor Lars G. Hanson.
Project Period
December 2012 - September 2016
Caption top photo:
Time series of consecutive images acquired every second after injection of hyperpolarized water. Major and minor vessels of the coronary tree can easily be identified.