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Diffraction Enhanced Imaging (DEI) offers real promise in early detection of Alzheimers'

This is a relatively new imaging technology that uses three physical mechanisms to generate contrast. Those mechanisms are: 1) X-Ray absorption, 2) Refraction, and 3) Ultra small angle scatter rejection. This technology can produce high contrast images with the added benefit of subjecting the patient to a much lower amount of radiation compared to conventional radiography.

One of the applications this technique might be useful for is to image amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease. Those plaques are usually very small and difficult to visualize with other methods. DEI was shown to be very useful in a study imaging amyloid plaques in mice by the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Even at the small image sizes comparing histology to DEI as shown here in my enewsletter article, one can easily see the telltale bumps.

Dean Connor, who was part of the Brookhven study put it this way: “The contrast and resolution we achieved in comparison to other types of imaging really is amazing.... When DEI is used, everything just lights up.”

With early detection a key component of successful treatment of Alzheimer's, DEI offers great promise for improving and extending the lives of many people.

The paper I've cited below has an excellent discussion of the exact mechanism of Diffraction Enhanced Imaging.

Adolfo Cotter

For more information you can click here:

Parham C, et al. Design and implementation of a compact low-dose Diffraction Enhanced Medical Imaging System. Academic Radiology (2009) August; 16(8): 911-917.

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