Robust and practical tools for imaging vascular reactivity in the brain

Vascular disease (problems with blood vessels) are a leading cause of death and disability. Stroke alone (blockage of blood vessels) is the 4th biggest killer globally (3rd in Canada), most disabling (2/3rd of survivors disabled) and costs society ~£26 billion a year in the UK. It can be hard to detect. A brain that has vascular disease can appear healthy in MRI images taken at rest. However, under stress the damaged blood vessels cannot maintain a sufficient blood supply. It is possible to identify these problems by stressing the brain artificially by asking a patient to breathe in carbon dioxide mixed with air. This signals the blood vessels in the brain to increase the blood flow. We aim to accurately measure this change in blood flow to provide new insight into vascular diseases of the brain. Combining complementary MRI techniques from Nottingham (more comparable across patients) and Toronto (more patient friendly) will provide a practical diagnostic tool.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jean Chen

Student:

Partner:

University of Nottingham

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: