Hemoglobin imaging with hybrid magnetic resonance and near-infrared diffuse tomography.

This study examines the methodology of combining high-resolution information from magnetic resonance imaging into the reconstruction of near-infrared images of hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation. This type of hybrid imaging modality has the potential to provide noninvasive maps of hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation with relatively high spatial resolution with a fast time response. The study uses (i) tissue-simulating phantoms, as well as (ii) a rat cranial model, to test the method in two well-controlled situations.