Resolving Cellular Morphology in the Human Brain with Multiparametric Diffusion MR Spectroscopy

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy (dMRS) is a unique, non-invasive technique capable of probing cell-type specific morphology. However, conventional dMRS methods are limited in their ability to provide detailed morphological information. This study demonstrates the potential of a multiparametric dMRS approach, combining diffusion-time dependent and double-diffusion encoding MR spectroscopy, to characterize soma and neurite morphology of neuronal and glial cells. This methodology holds promise for developing biomarkers for the diagnosis, monitoring, and phenotyping of neurological pathologies, like Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, or Multiple Sclerosis, where alterations in soma and neurite morphology are reported.