Protocols and Methodologies in Basic Science and Clinical Cardiac MRI

This book focuses on the practical issues of the implementation of state-of-the-art acquisition methodologies and protocols for both basic science and clinical practice. It is a practical guidebook for both beginners and advanced users for easy and practical implementation of acquisition protocols. It is relevant for a wide audience that ranges from students, residents, fellows, basic scientists, physicists, engineers, and medical practitioners.

The novelty of this book relates to its intended practical use and focus on state-of-the-art cardiac MRI techniques that span both the clinical and basic science fields. In comparison and contrast to other pre-existing books, this book will distinguish from others for its practical usefulness and conciseness. Correspondingly, the book will be used as a handbook (quick reference) for new starters or people who would like to establish state-of-the-art cardiac MRI techniques in their institutions. Given the historical evolution of technique development in MRI, the clinical and basic science topics will be described separately. However, in instances where basic science development complemented (or is envisaged to complement) clinical development (e.g., Diffusion MRI and tractography), every effort will be made to allow a comprehensive review and associations of the clinical/basic science subfields.

Christakis Constantinides, PhD is a Marie Curie Fellow in the BMRU. His specific research interests focus on the study of cardiac mechanical function, computational and tissue structure modeling and characterization, and functional and cellular tracking methods using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The goal of his research efforts is the complete characterization of the electromechanical function of the heart in small animals, aiming to promote the understanding of mechanisms of human disease that is predominantly underlined by genetic causes.