Magnetic resonance elastography of the brain

MR Elastography (MRE) is an emerging technique capable of noninvasively and quantitatively measuring stiffness of tissue. Performing MRE of the brain has presented unique technical challenges, including the introduction of shear waves through the skull, as well as performing sampling and processing of a 3D displacement field. Using an accelerated spin-echo EPI sequence allows fast volumetric acquisitions that fully sample the required extent of k-space. Initial work has demonstrated an emerging role for MRE in both diffuse diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and normal pressure hydrocephalus, as well as focal lesions, such as meningiomas.