Imaging vascular and perivascular flows in the brain using MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved from an anatomical imaging modality to the most versatile method for measuring tissue function in-vivo. The movement of fluid through vascular (circulatory flows) and perivascular compartments (glymphatic flows) are tightly regulated under normal physiological conditions, but can become disturbed in range of disease states. However, non-invasive methods to robustly measure and quantify these flows are lacking. This PhD project will develop the next generation of MRI techniques to map vascular and perivascular flows in the brain, and to develop modelling approaches to extract the velocity, directionality, and compartmentalisation of these flows.

The student will explore approaches for improving vascular flow measurements by combining intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI with methods to null the extravascular signal. This will enhance the fraction of vascular water relative to the extravascular pool, making the vascular component easier to extract, model, and quantify. The behaviour of perfusive flow as a function of diffusion encoding time will also be studied, and combined with modelling to infer blood velocity distributions, blood-brain barrier water exchange, and properties of the vascular architecture. Perivascular flows associated with the glymphatic system will be investigated using similar MRI techniques, and a recent method of using ultra-long echo time diffusion MRI further developed.

The ideal candidate for this project will hold a first class in a highly numerate degree (physics, maths, electronic engineering) with relevant research experience in MRI, or other imaging modality. The successful student will gain training in MRI physics, compartmental and kinetic modelling, neuroscience and neuroimaging, and in-vivo skills, and will join our highly multidisciplinary team of scientists and PhD students working on neuroimaging research in Manchester