Abstract: Repetitive electrical activity produces microstructural alteration in myelinated axons. These transient microstructural changes can be non-invasively visualized via two different magnetic-resonance-based approaches: diffusion fMRI and dynamic T2 spectroscopy in the ex vivo perfused bullfrog sciatic nerves. Non-invasive diffusion fMRI, based on standard diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), clearly localized the sites of axonal conduction blockage as might be encountered in neurotrauma or other lesion types. Diffusion fMRI response was graded in proportion to the total number of electrical impulses carried through a given locus. Diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) method revealed a reversible shift of tissue water into a restricted isotropic diffusion signal component, consistent with sub-myelinic vacuole formation.

Abstract: Repetitive electrical activity produces microstructural alteration in myelinated axons. These transient microstructural changes can be non-invasively visualized via two different magnetic-resonance-based approaches: diffusion fMRI and dynamic T2 spectroscopy in the ex vivo perfused bullfrog sciatic nerves. Non-invasive diffusion fMRI, based on standard diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), clearly localized the sites of axonal conduction blockage as might be encountered in neurotrauma or other lesion types. Diffusion fMRI response was graded in proportion to the total number of electrical impulses carried through a given locus. Diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) method revealed a reversible shift of tissue water into a restricted isotropic diffusion signal component, consistent with sub-myelinic vacuole formation.

Abstract: D-Histo, a non-invasive diagnostic method, renovated from diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) is provided for quantitatively detecting and distinguishing inflammation from solid tumors, heart and nerve injury. For example, the D-Histo methods disclosed herein provide an accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer, distinguishing it from prostatitis and BPH that missed by currently available methods of diagnosing prostate cancer (multiparameter MRI, needle biopsy). The disclosed D-Histo method also provides metrics to reflect reversible vs. irreversible damages in heart and central/peripheral nerves. For central and peripheral nerves, D-Histo also provides metrics to assess nerve functionality. The at least one D-Histo biomarker obtained using diffusion weighted MRI has excellent test-retest stability, high sensitivity to disease progression and close correlation with currently available techniques.