EARTHWORM: pEristAlsis in Real-Time Human mri to study the interWOven fRequency & Microstructural properties

EARTHWORM will develop a new paradigm of adaptive and focused comprehensive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to study peristaltic motion and the underlying microstructure throughout the human body.Peristaltic motion is responsible for multiple key functions in the human body such as food transport through the gastro-intestinal system, the rapid and directed sperm transport and embryo implantation and retrograde menstruation for the preservation of body iron.

Alterations are linked to the pathophysiology of diseases such as adenomyosis, Crohns disease, endometriosis and Parkinsons disease among many others, which together affect >10% of EU citizens.

The underlying process requires a complex cascade of events, which can be disrupted by a range of factors from interrupted neuronal activity to altered biochemistry to changes in the interwoven layers of muscle fibres and connective tissue, resulting in hyper- and hypomotility of the involved organs.

Similarly, changes in motility are associated with resulting microstructural damage.Despite the undisputed importance, current imaging techniques focus on suppressing or altering peristalsis through unphysiological preparations to make ongoing human life comply with the needs of the assessment techniques.

The confluence of novel lower field MRI scanners, real-time end-to-end AI methods, external MR-compatible sensors and efficient multi-contrast techniques allows me to develop a new paradigm to study the link between the microstructure and motility patterns in the abdomen and pelvis.

Replacing rigid, pre-defined examinations by a continuous running MR acquisition, adapting to the ongoing life provides novel eloquent information, paving the way for enhanced diagnosis and bespoke, data-driven nonlinear continuum dynamic modelling approaches to reveal signatures of disease and to interconnect previously disjoint observations.

Two embedded clinical pilot studies will facilitate immediate translation.