Magnetic resonance methods for automated, non-invasive diagnosis of focal brain infections [ 2001 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Tania Sorrell (Principal investigator) ,  Brian Tress ,  Nigel Jones ,  Prof Carolyn Mountford ,  Prof Peter Russell
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Brief description Brain lesions caused by infections, tumours and some other diseases, often cannot be distinguished from each other clinically or by neuro-radiology examinations. A brain biopsy is usually needed to make a definite diagnosis and may cause sequelae or not be possible if the lesion is in certain areas of the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has increased our ability to detect brain lesions but cannot unequivocally diagnose the disease process. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) methods report on the chemical composition of lesions and can provide a simultaneous picture of the location of the lesion and the pathology of the disease process. Brain biopsies may therefore be avoided in a significant number of cases where drainage or decompression of lesions are not needed as part of therapy. Identification of specific fingerprints for the different diseases will provide a rapid, robust, automated diagnosis, which will expedite management decisions and improve patient outcomes. It should also be possible to monitor the efficacy of drug treatments using MRS methods. Each of these outcomes would constitute a major medical advance.

Funding Amount $AUD 483,564.26

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant