Radiology seminars

Identifying a structural brain lesion on MRI is the most important factor that correlates with seizure freedom after surgery in patients suffering from drug-resistant focal epilepsy. By providing better image contrast and higher spatial resolution, structural MRI at 7 Tesla (7T) can lead to lesion detection in about 25% of patients presenting with negative MRI at lower fields. In addition to a better detection/delineation/phenotyping of epileptogenic lesions, higher signal at ultra-high field also facilitates more detailed analyses of several functional and molecular alterations of tissues, susceptible to detect epileptogenic properties even in absence of visible lesions. These advantages but also the technical challenges of 7T MRI in practice will be presented and discussed.

On Wednesday, November 30th, at noon ET / 6PM CET, we will host Alexandre Boutet and Erik H. Middlebrooks. Alexandre Boutet, MD, PhD, is a neuroradiology fellow at the University of Toronto, and will tell us about “How to become an integral part of the functional neurosurgery team as a radiologist”. Erik H. Middlebrooks, MD, is a Professor and Consultant of Neuroradiology and Neurosurgery and the Neuroradiology Program Director at Mayo Clinic. Beside his scientific presentation about “Bridging the Gap from Research to Clinical Decision Making in Epilepsy Neuromodulation”, he will also give us a glimpse at the “Person behind the science”. The talks will be followed by a shared discussion. You can register via talks.stimulatingbrains.org to receive the (free) Zoom link!

Molecular imaging using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has become a major biomedical imaging technology. Its application towards characterisation of biochemical processes in disease could enable early detection and diagnosis, development of novel therapies and treatment evaluation. The technology is underpinned by the use of imaging probes radiolabelled with short-lived radioisotopes which can be specific and selective for biological targets in vivo e.g. markers for receptors, protein deposits, enzymes and metabolism. My talk will focus on the increasing development and application of PET imaging to clinical research in neurodegenerative diseases, for which it can be applied to delineate and understand the various pathological components of these disorders.