Musculoskeletal Imaging Research Core
Director: Martin Torriani
Location: 55 Fruit Street, YAW 6048, Boston
| Core Summary: |
The Muscular Imaging Research Core (MIRC) offers specialized imaging techniques including quantitative computed tomography (QCT), magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy of muscle and high-resolution soft tissue MR imaging. QCT is a technique widely employed for studies evaluating body composition and bone mineral density. MR spectroscopy is a technique that allows non-invasive quantification of metabolites in human tissues.
| Personnel/Contact Information: |
Director: Martin Torriani, M.D., M.Sc.
Phone: (617) 726-7717
Fax: (617) 726-5282
Email: mtorriani@partners.org
Other Staff:
Research Fellow: Bijoy Thomas, M.D.
Phone: (617) 643-1566
Fax: (617) 726-5282
Email: bjthomas@partners.org
Research Assistant: Robert Brad Barlow
Phone: (617) 724-0548
Fax: (617) 726-5282
Email: rbarlow@partners.org
| Facilities and Equipment: |
Location of Core:
The facility is located at 55 Fruit Street, YAW 6048, Boston.
Major Equipment:
The MGH MIRC has access to state-of-the-art technology in diagnostic imaging available at the Massachusetts General Hospital main campus, MGH Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, and Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. Available equipment for research imaging includes:
MRI/MRS
4 General Electric Signa 1.5 Tesla scanners
2 Siemens Sonata 1.5 Tesla scanners
2 Siemens Trio 3.0 Tesla scanners
CT
5 General Electric Light Speed 16-slice MDCT scanners
| Services: |
►Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI): MR imaging techniques are available for researchers
requiring high-resolution imaging of joints and soft tissues. Our staff provides
expertise in
design and implementation of imaging protocols, as well as close supervision
during data
acquisition.
►Magnetic
Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS): Proton MRS allows non-invasive quantification
of
muscle metabolites, such as lipids, total creatine, and choline. Using this
methodology, we are
capable of differentiating and selectively measuring lipids located inside
or in between muscle
cells. This technique has been widely employed as a surrogate marker for insulin
sensitivity
in studies examining type 2 diabetics, obese and HIV-lipodystrophy patients.
Our MRS data is acquired on GE or Siemens scanners at 1.5T or 3.0T field strengths,
and is
analyzed with validated softwares such as LCModel and jMRU.
►Quantitative
Computed Tomography (QCT): QCT used for assessment of body composition
and bone mineral density (BMD).
| Fee Schedule/Rates: |
| Computed Tomography Service | MIRC
Fee |
Hospital
Charge After Research Discount |
Total Cost per Exam |
| QCT (single slice at L4 with or without single slice at mid-femur) | $129 |
$120 |
$249 |
| QCT (slices at L1-L2-L3-L4 for bone mineral density) | $129 |
$250 |
$379 |
| QCT (lumbar and femur volumetric acquisition for bone mineral density) | $155 |
$250 |
$405 |
| Magnetic Resonance Service | MIRC
Fee |
Hospital
Charge After Research Discount |
Total Cost per Exam |
| Proton Spectroscopy | $129 |
$426 |
$555 |
| Phosphorus Spectroscopy | $129 |
$426 |
$555 |
| Proton and Phosphorus Spectroscopy | $155 |
$852 |
$1007 |
| Proton Spectroscopy and Single MR slice at L4 | $155 |
$426 |
$581 |
| Proton Spectroscopy and Single MR slice at L4 and mid thigh | $180 |
$426 |
$606 |
| MR protocol development (non-peak hours, 7:00-8:00AM) |
$64 |
$0 |
$64 |
| MR protocol development (peak hours, 8:00AM-6:00PM) |
$64 |
$534 |
$598 |
| MRI (data acquisition and analysis) | $129 |
$534 |
$663 |
| MRI (data acquisition only) | $64 |
$534 |
$598 |
| MRI w/ Contrast (data acquisition and analysis) |
$155 |
$1,086 (contrast incl.) |
$1,241 |
| MRI w/ Contrast (data acquisition only) |
$64 |
$1,086 (contrast incl.) |
$1,150 |
| Getting Started: |
To access the core, please contact Dr. Torriani
at (617) 726-7717 or by email at
mtorriani@partners.org.
| Departmental Web Link: |
http://www.mgh-mirc.org/index.html
