Research Summary
Dr. Chen’s research is focused on developing quantitative MRI (qMRI) methods of the brain and peripheral nerves. His clinical research interests include neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis) and peripheral neuropathies. In collaboration with his colleagues, Dr. Chen has developed a rapid multiparametric qMRI method of the brain referred to as strategically acquired gradient echo (STAGE) imaging. STAGE shortens the time span in studying each patient and still acquires the desired quantitative and qualitative images of the brain. One of his recent contributions to science is the development of a multiparametric qMRI method for peripheral nerves in the leg. The nerve qMRI method has been used to systematically assess the demyelination and axonal loss of peripheral nerves in patients with polyneuropathies. His research laboratory is currently funded by the NIH and Wayne State to develop monitoring biomarkers in patients with inherited peripheral nerve diseases, and diagnostic biomarker signatures to differentiate demyelination from axonal degeneration types of polyneuropathies.
Dr. Yongsheng Chen and Dr. Sagar Buch attended the ISMRM26 Annual Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. They presented three podium presentations, five digital posters, and one traditional poster for the team.
2026 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition
May 09 - 14 2026
Cape Town, South Africa
Sarah J Wright, Marilyn Li, Basil Memon, Vivian B Truong, Fen Bao, Anas Nourelden, Sara Omar, Anza B Memon, Yongsheng Chen. High-Resolution QSM for Choroid Plexus Calcification: A Biomarker for Chronic Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis. ISMRM 2026 Annual Meeting. May 09-14, Cape Town, South Africa. [Conference Paper Preview #03277] [ISMRM26 Annual Meeting Travel Award of $1,125]
Jesus E Fajardo, Vivian B Truong, Yang Xuan, Sara E Benitez, Mary L Vo, Bo Hu, Richard Dortch, Jun Li, Yongsheng Chen. Multiparametric qMRI of Peripheral Nerves: Diagnostic Differentiation and Biomarker Development in Polyneuropathies. ISMRM 2026 Annual Meeting. May 09-14, Cape Town, South Africa. [Conference Paper Preview #03304]
Sagar Buch, Yongsheng Chen, Rohit Marawar, Vaibhav Diwadkar, Maysaa Basha, Yulin Ge, E. Mark Haacke. Comparing the Vascular density and iron deposition for the thalamus subnuclei using USPIO-MRI and QSM at 3T. ISMRM 2026 Annual Meeting. May 09-14, Cape Town, South Africa. [Conference Paper Preview #06377]
Scotty McKay, Yongsheng Chen, E. Mark Haacke, Yang Xuan, Aimee Luat, Csaba Juhasz. MRI in Clinical Practice: Non-contrast Rapid STAGE Imaging for Evaluation of Brain Abnormalities in Sturge-Weber Syndrome. ISMRM 2026 Annual Meeting. May 09-14, Cape Town, South Africa. [Conference Paper Preview #00283]
Jesus E Fajardo, Hasan Sawan, Arif Musa, Vivian B Truong, Yang Xuan, Sara E Benitez, Mary L Vo, Richard Dortch, Bo Hu, Jun Li, Yongsheng Chen. Sciatic Nerve Fascicular Morphometry from High-resolution MRI as Biomarkers in Polyneuropathies. ISMRM 2026 Annual Meeting. May 09-14, Cape Town, South Africa. [Conference Paper Preview #03322]
Vivian B Truong, Fen Bao, Sarah J Wright, Sara Omar, Anas Nourelden, Anza B Memon, Yongsheng Chen. SUPREME-SWI-FLAIR Enhances Central Vein Sign (CVS) Detection for MS at 3T MRI. ISMRM 2026 Annual Meeting. May 09-14, Cape Town, South Africa. [Conference Paper Preview #04051]
Kaizhong Shi, Ying Wang, Zichun Zhong, Jesus E Fajardo, Hasan Sawan, Bo Hu, Jun Li, Yongsheng Chen. Automated Segmentation of Thigh Muscles in Polyneuropathies. ISMRM 2026 Annual Meeting. May 09-14, Cape Town, South Africa. [Conference Paper Preview #04902]
Kaizhong Shi, Vivian B Truong, Zichun Zhonga, Yongsheng Chen. Quantifying Susceptibility of U-fibers with High-Resolution QSM at 3T. ISMRM 2026 Annual Meeting. May 09-14, Cape Town, South Africa. [Conference Paper Preview #07081]
Sarah J Wright, Scotty McKay, Jean Ramos Bou, Vivian B Truong, Fen Bao, E. Mark Haacke, Anza B Memon, Yulin Ge, Yongsheng Chen. Quantitative T1/PD² Ratio to Differentiate Demyelination and Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis. ISMRM 2026 Annual Meeting. May 09-14, Cape Town, South Africa. [Conference Paper Preview #02158]