Permeability and Perfusion Mapping

This research activity consists of three main topics:

1. Development of optimized new 4D (space + time) dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging approaches (that employ non-linear sampling, parallel imaging and compressed sensing) to drive tracer kinetic models.
2. Characterization of tissue perfusion and vascular permeability in age and neurodegenerative disorders.
3. Applications of permeabilityimethods in brain tumours.

Ting Lee (Western University) and Marc Lebel are major technical collaborators on these projects. This work is funded by CCS and CIHR.

Representative Publications

• Eliaghi A, Yeung T, d’Esterre CD, Bauman G, Easaw J, Fainardi E, Lee TY, Frayne R. Quantitative perfusion and permeability biomarkers in brain cancer from tomographic CT and MR images. Biomarkers in Cancer 2016; 8(Suppl 2): 47-59.
• Thrippleton MJ, Backes WH, Sourbron S, Ingrisch M, van Osch MJP, Dichgans M, Fazekas F, Ropele S, Frayne R, van Oostenbrugge RJ, Smith EE, Wardlaw JM. Quantifying blood-brain barrier leakage in small vessel disease: Review and consensus recommendations. Alzheimers Dement 2019, 1-9.
• Loos WS, Souza R, Andersen LB, Lebel RM, Frayne R. Extraction of a Vascular Function for a Fully Automated Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Brain Image Processing Pipeline. Magn Reson Med 2022; 87: 1561-73. doi: 10.1002/mrm.29054.

Prospective Trainee Requirements

Interest in physiologic brain imaging, dementia or cancer with a degree (MSc preferred) in Biomedical, Computer or Electrical Engineering, or Physics. A good grasp of digital signal processing and deconvolution techniques and/or experience with numerical optimization/modelling methods are beneficial. Must have good oral and written English communication skills.