Innovative imaging method offers new insights into brain blood flow
Researchers at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) have made an important step forward in brain imaging. With a new technique, they can now visualise even the tiniest blood vessels in the brain.
Combining ultra-fast MRI with mathematical models
The team developed a method that combines ultra-fast MRI scans with advanced mathematical models. By analysing the scan data with these models, blood flow in the brain can be mapped in great detail. This imaging technique does not require the use of contrast agents, making it less invasive for patients and potentially easier to apply in clinical practice. Early results show that the method is highly accurate and holds great promise for further research.
This development could help detect changes in blood flow at an earlier stage. Such insights are essential for understanding and treating neurological conditions such as dementia and stroke. By visualising the smallest blood vessels, researchers hope to better understand the role blood flow plays in the onset and progression of these diseases.
