Mapping BBB Permeability: From Contrast- to Non-Contrast-Enhanced Imaging
Member-Initiated Symposium

ORGANIZERS: Danny Wang

Thursday, 16 May 2019

Session Number: MIS-20

Overview
Impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB) is associated with a number of serious CNS diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), brain tumors, small-vessel disease (SVD), and Alzheimer's disease. MRI is the most commonly used and almost exclusive clinical imaging modality to measure BBB permeability without the use of radiation as in CT and PET scans. This topic is highly relevant to the theme and growing interests of ISMRM for the high-value MR exam. 

Target Audience
Scientists, engineers, clinical researchers and neuro-radiologists interested in measuring BBB permeability to GBCAs and water molecules in the brain.

Educational Objectives
As a result of attending this course, participants should be able to:
- Describe the basic physiological mechanism and tracer kinetic modeling of BBB permeability to gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCAs) and water molecules;
- Define the advantages and disadvantages of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI measurements of BBB permeability to GBCAs;
- Recognize the potentials and challenges of emerging non-contrast MRI measurements of BBB permeability to water; and
- Identify the suitable clinical applications and associated barriers need to be overcome for the translation of MRI measurements of BBB permeability to GBCAs and water respectively.