Studies

MRI Technical Developments for Clinical Applications

The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols for studying the structure and function of the human body using 1.5T and 3.0T MRI scanners with or without the use of an MRI contrast agent. The plan is to build upon our on-going technical developmental work for the non-invasive diagnosis of, for example, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique with no known side effects and the use of MRI contrast agents is considered extremely safe. All proposed research will use FDA approved imaging equipment and FDA approved contrast agents that are used routinely in numerous hospitals and clinics around the world.

This project seeks to address optimization of the imaging methodology at 1.5 Tesla and 3.0 Tesla throughout the body in order to improve clinical evaluation and care of future patients. MRI exams at 1.5T and 3.0T are considered extremely safe and are not associated with any short-term or long-term complications or side effects. Evaluation of anatomical structure and physiologic function will often involve the injection of a small volume of FDA approved MRI contrast agent (e.g. Gadolinium-DTPA [Gd-DTPA]) into an arm vein. Gd-DTPA has been FDA approved since 1987 and has been used safely in millions of studies worldwide.

Non contrast MRI studies will be performed in normal healthy volunteers. In addition, we will include subjects with confirmed disease (i.e. with heart disease, prostate cancer, or brain tumors) who are undergoing contrast or non-contrast MR imaging as part of their standard of care. Four hundred (400) male or female subjects eighteen years of age and above will be studied total (number includes healthy volunteers and non-healthy volunteers).

For More Information Contact: Stephanie Gilbert sgilbert@mednet.ucla.edu