Aims

The activity of our research group is centered on the application of conventional and advanced (angiography, functional, perfusion, diffusion, spectroscopy) magnetic resonance (MR) techniques to obtain information on the pathophysiology of several diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), hepatic encephalopathy and stroke. Our multidisciplinary character allows us to focus research in both the clinical setting and in the analysis of MR images by computer vision techniques.

Head of Magnetic Resonance and Neuroradiology Research Group : Álex Rovira Cañellas
Lab Phone: 93 4286034
alex.rovira@idi-cat.org

Researchers José Luis Manuera del Cerro Cristina Auger Acosta Adelaida León Hernández Jaume Sastre Garriga Jaime Gili Planas Josep Munuera del Cerro Laura Frascheri Verzelli Francisco Javier Aymerich Martínez Julio Alonso Farré Technical Personnel Elena Huerga Núñez Juan Francisco Corral Gámez

 

“Application of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy techniques to the study of multiple sclerosis”
Coordinator: Alex Rovira Cañellas.
The main objectives of this line of research are determination of the predictive value of magnetic resonance variables in primary progressive multiple sclerosis, study of cerebral plasticity and acquisition of information on the presence of pathophysiological processes (neuronal damage and demyelination) in clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of MS.


“Application of advanced magnetic resonance techniques (perfusion, diffusion) to the study of acute stroke us ”
Coordinator: Alex Rovira Cañellas.
The objective of this line is to obtain information on the pathophysiology of non-hemorrhagic stroke in the hyperacute phase by means of advanced MR techniques (diffusion and perfusion) and establish recommendations for the clinical use of MR. Also, the relationship between MR alterations and the effectiveness of reperfusion therapy or the risk of hemorrhagic complications will be investigated.


“Application of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy techniques to the study of the physiologic basis of hepatic encephalopathy ”.
Coordinator: Alex Rovira Cañellas.
The work in this line is centered on obtaining information on the existence and characteristics of mild brain edema in hepatic encephalopathy. Also it is our interest to study the presence of neurological alterations detected by MR techniques in patients with portal vein thrombosis and the relationship of these alterations with ammonium metabolism.


“Application of computer vision techniques and quantification techniques in the analysis of magnetic resonance images”.
Coordinator: Francisco Javier Aymerich Martínez.
Quantitative analysis of MR images is an important factor in all research projects. The aim of this line of study is to resolve technical aspects, ranging from those associated with image acquisition to those involving the stages of analysis, based on techniques of computer vision performed after standardization of the information contained in the images to quantify the regions of interest.


“Development of computer programs to assess anisotropic diffusion of the brain tissue from diffusion tensor images”
Coordinator: Francisco Javier Aymerich Martínez
The study of molecular diffusion by MR allows evaluation of the brain tissue structure in vivo. Anisotropic diffusion allows assessment of the integrity of the axonal fibers. The aim of this line is to develop software that can be used to assess the magnitude and direction of anisotropy by anisotropic diffusion mapping and tractography techniques.


“Development and clinical application of biexponential analysis techniques of MR diffusion in brain tissue”.
Coordinator: Álex Rovira Cañellas i Francisco Javier Aymerich Martínez.
Several studies have shown that analysis of water content in the brain by the tensor diffusion technique shows a biexponential pattern associated with fast and slow diffusion patterns. The development of the software required to perform this type of study is essential for determining the presence and characteristics of brain edema in several pathologies.