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Other magnetic resonance imaging techniques

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 August 2011

Klaus P. Ebmeier*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
Nicola Filippini
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
Verena Heise
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
Claire E. Sexton
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Professor K. P. Ebmeier, University Department, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK. Phone and Fax: +44 1865 226469; Email: klaus.ebmeier@psych.ox.ac.uk.

Abstract

Relatively new developments in MRI, such as functional MRI (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are rapidly developing into imaging modalities that will become clinically available in the near future. They have in common that their signal is somewhat easier to interpret than structural MRI: fMRI mirrors excess cerebral blood flow, in many cases representing brain activity, MRS gives the average volume concentrations of specific chemical compounds, and DTI reflects “directedness” of micro-anatomical structures, of particular use in white matter where fiber bundle disruption can be detected with great sensitivity. While structural changes in MRI have been disappointing in giving a diagnosis of sufficient sensitivity and specificity, these newer methods hold out hope for elucidating pathological changes and differentiating patient groups more rigorously. This paper summarizes promising research results that will yet have to be translated into real life clinical studies in larger groups of patients (e.g. memory clinic patients). Where available, we have tried to summarize results comparing different types of dementia.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2011

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