MRI Imaging Techniques

Richard Dortch
Research Assistant Professor
Radiology and Radiological Services
Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science
AA-1101 MCN
615-875-8792 (office)
richard.dortch@vanderbilt.edu

Interests —

The overall goal of our research is to develop and validate quantitative MRI methods (e.g., magnetization transfer, diffusion, relaxometry) for imaging human spinal cord, optic nerve, and peripheral nerve in vivo. The long-term goal of my work is to apply these methods in clinical patient populations to aid our understanding of diseases that specifically affect these tissues.

Projects —

Current projects include: 1) characterization of dysmyelination in the proximal nerve of Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients via magnetization transfer imaging of, 2) optimization of quantitative magnetization transfer, diffusion, and T2 imaging for applications in peripheral nerve, 3) development of novel, robust fat suppression strategies, and 4) development of quantitative magnetization transfer imaging of the spinal cord at 7.0 T.