Quantitative high resolution in-vivo multi-modality medical imaging techniques

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OBJECTIVES. To develop quantitative imaging techniques, that best exploit synergies between complementary in-vivo medical imaging methods as primarily applied to the study of brain function. BACKGROUND. In-vivo imaging modalities, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission tomography(SPECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) explore biological functions and structure with complementary strengths. PET and SPECT explore functional aspects of biochemistry by using radioactive biologically relevant compounds. In contrast, MRI provides excellent anatomical information and can be used to investigate tissue connectivity and functional behavior. Hybrid imaging instrumentation capable of simultaneous data acquisition with at least two modalities is now being developed in recognition of the fact that disease affects many aspect of human function. It is thus essential to develop novel imaging and data analysis algorithms to best exploit the synergy between the imaging modalities. PROPOSED RESEARCH PROGRAM. The specific short term aims are (i) development of data analysis methods that allow to extract novel information from PET and MRI from the same subjects; (2) development of novel image reconstruction that can easily account for motion; (3) characterization and development of the quantitative aspects of hybrid imaging with the preclinical hybrid PET/SPECT VECTor scanner and (4) application of these novel techniques to pilot rodent studies. NOVELTY AND SIGNIFICANCE. While individual imaging modalities have been maturing for decades, hybrid multi-modality imaging is a relatively novel approach and much still needs to be done to understand and optimize its potential. The outcome of this research will contribute to the long term goal of seamlessly integrating several imaging modalities with development of sophisticated imaging approaches well suited to address the complexity of human function and improve early disease detection thus ultimately impacting health care and quality of life.