Exploring the diagnostic potential: magnetic particle imaging for brain diseases

Mil Med Res. 2025 Apr 27;12(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s40779-025-00603-5.

Abstract

Brain diseases are characterized by high incidence, disability, and mortality rates. Their elusive nature poses a significant challenge for early diagnosis. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a novel imaging technique with high sensitivity, high temporal resolution, and no ionizing radiation. It relies on the nonlinear magnetization response of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), allowing visualization of the spatial concentration distribution of SPIONs in biological tissues. MPI is expected to become a mainstream technology for the early diagnosis of brain diseases, such as cancerous, cerebrovascular, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory diseases. This review provides an overview of the principles of MPI, explores its potential applications in brain diseases, and discusses the prospects for the diagnosis and management of these diseases.

Keywords: Brain diseases; Early diagnosis; Magnetic particle imaging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain
  • Brain Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Brain Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnostic Imaging* / methods
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Magnetite Nanoparticles