Quantitative myocardial oxygen extraction imaging

Mentor: Jie Zheng, Associate Professor of Radiology

Lab description: Our lab is focusing on development and translational of cardiovascular imaging techniques for basic science research and clinical study. The imaging methods are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Current projects involve quantification of myocardial oxygenation and peripheral tissue perfusion / metabolism measurements.

Project: This study will evaluate a newly developed cardiac MRI method in human subjects (normal volunteers and cardiac patients). Some of MRI data will be compared with PET images for cross correlation. The goal is to develop a robust non-invasive method for fast assessment of myocardial oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) that represent the balance of oxygen supply and demand. This will enhance clinical understanding to the severity of various cardiac diseases including coronary artery disease, heart failure, etc.