Stiffness and Beyond: What MR Elastography Can Tell Us About Brain Structure and Function Under Physiologic and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biophysics
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Brain magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) aims to "palpate by imaging" for investigating neurophysiology and neuropathology.
• It utilizes specialized MR phase-contrast sequences to measure tissue motion in response to excitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles, limitations, and applications of brain MRE.
• To summarize current neuroanatomical studies and clinical uses in neurosurgical and neurodegenerative disorders.

Main Methods:

• Acquiring measurements using specialized MR phase-contrast pulse sequences.
• Reconstructing tissue viscoelasticity from measured displacement data.
• Quantitatively characterizing brain viscoelastic behaviors (rigidity, viscosity, friction, connectivity).

Main Results:

• Brain MRE provides insights into brain structure and function.
• Changes in viscoelastic properties are associated with inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration.
• Applications span intracranial tumors, dementia, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and TBI.

Conclusions:

• Brain MRE is a powerful tool for assessing brain mechanical properties.
• Further advancements in acquisition, reconstruction, and validation are needed for broader clinical utility.
• Continued development will enhance MRE's role in research and clinical practice for neurological conditions.