pH-weighted MRI in Multiple Sclerosis: A Surrogate Marker of Tissue Metabolic Stress
pH-weighted MRI in Multiple Sclerosis: A Surrogate Marker of Tissue Metabolic Stress
Twenty subjects (10 patients and 10 age-matched control volunteers) will be recruited for this study. MRI scans will take place on a 3T MRI Scanner (Skyra or Prisma, Siemens Medical Solutions) located at The NYU Center for Biomedical Imaging. MRI scans will consist of a 1-hour brain scan for both patients and controls. In the first 6 months of the study, investigators will develop and test a uMT-based APT imaging for brain tissue pH measurement and use a hypercapnia paradigm to validate the tissue pH changes between breathing room air and 5% CO2 (by increasing tissue acidity) inhalation. With implementation of hypercapnia MRI, pH-weighted imaging will be validated for its robustness and reproducibility.
The contrast agent (Gd-DTPA, Gadavist) will be injected intravenously (IV) in the arm (patients only). The IV will be inserted by qualified medical professional at CBI. This contrast agent will be standard dose in accordance with its FDA approved labeling and dosing. Controls will NOT be administered the contrast agent.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Medically unstable or with cardiac, pulmonary, hematological, renal, or hepatic dysfunction.
Current or past DSM-IV diagnosis of major depression, bipolar and psychotic disorders.
Contraindications for MRI, including
Intracranial clips
Metal implants
External metallic devices/objects/clips within 10mm of the head
Suspected or confirmed metal in the eyes (history of welding or similar activity)
Claustrophobia
Cardiac pacemaker or pacing wires
Pregnancy - Pregnancy tests will be offered to women of childbearing age at no cost to the subject
History of moderate to severe head injury, stroke, and seizures.
Alcoholism or drug dependency.
Renal or liver disease as this may cause concerns related to Gd-DTPA contrast agent.