Magnetic Resonance (MR) is a powerful tool in medical imaging and is used in diagnosis of different types of diseases. The primary limitation preventing even more widespread use is the weak signal, resulting in prolonged scanning time.
With hyperpolarization, the MR signal may be increased with a factor of 10,000. Most research in hyperpolarization focuses on carbon nuclei for metabolic studies, but in Kasper Lipsø’s project the protons are hyperpolarized in water. The result is a very powerful signal which can be used for fast imaging of vascular structures in e.g. the heart or for perfusion of organs, resulting in high-quality images with water as the contrast agent.
In his project, Kasper Lipsø has used the method to demonstrate renal perfusion measurements in pigs, a new technique that allows direct measurement of tissue perfusion. He also demonstrated that the method can be used for dynamic MR images of the larger arteries in a pig’s heart. This has not previously been possible since conventional methods have not been able to render the fine structures and the pulsating heart with a satisfactory image quality.
Examiners at defence:
Associate Professor Pernille Rose Jensen, DTU Elektro
PD Dr. Jan-Bernd Hövener, University Medical Center Freiburg
Professor emeritus, Dr. Philos. Klaes Golman
Chairperson at defence:
Senior Researcher Mathilde H. Lerche, DTU Elektro