Dr Mahender K. Makhijani: Innovative MRI Research Bridging Engineering and Radiology

Dr Mahender K. Makhijani is a distinguished researcher noted for his advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly in vascular and vessel-wall imaging techniques during and following his time at the University of Southern California.

Overview of Contributions

According to ResearchGate, his published work includes four significant contributions, collectively cited over 40 times. These span MRI methodologies for carotid artery imaging, diffusion preparation optimisation, and off-resonance corrections. His collaborators include notable figures such as Krishna S. Nayak, Houchun Harry Hu, and Gerald M. Pohost .

Key Publications

1. Accelerated 3D Carotid Imaging with Hidden Markov Tree Compressed Sensing (2012)

Published in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, this paper introduces a compressed sensing technique using a hidden Markov tree (HMT) to accelerate 3D MERGE carotid MRI while maintaining high resolution. It demonstrated reliable morphological measurements at a 4.5× acceleration, matching standard scans in diagnostic quality.

2. Improving Blood Suppression in 3D Vessel-Wall Imaging (2010)

This study combines double inversion recovery (DIR) with diffusion-sensitising gradients (DSG) in a 3D inner-volume fast spin-echo (IV-FSE) sequence. The hybrid approach enhances suppression of blood flow signals, enabling clearer visualisation of artery walls and better detection of atherosclerotic plaques.

3. Optimising Diffusion Preparation in 3T Vessel-Wall Imaging (2008)

Presented at the annual SCMR Scientific Session, this work details optimisation of diffusion-sensitive preparation for high-resolution 3D imaging at 3 Tesla, balancing vessel-wall signal and contrast for improved vascular diagnostics .

4. Precise Correction of Off‑Resonance Effects in Spiral MRI (2006)

This conference paper addresses the challenge of abrupt off-resonance artefacts in non-Cartesian MRI acquisitions, offering an exact correction method to reduce image blurring in spiral scanning protocols .

Significance of His Research

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Blending electrical engineering principles with clinical radiology, Dr Makhijani’s work elevates both technical innovation and diagnostic practicality.

• Clinical Utility: His imaging techniques support better detection and characterisation of vascular conditions such as carotid artery stenosis and plaque vulnerability.

• Longevity of Impact: His methodologies remain influential and widely cited within cardiovascular MRI research.

• Collaborative Excellence: Working with prominent experts like Krishna S. Nayak and Houchun Harry Hu lent multidisciplinary strength to his research outcomes.

Conclusion

Dr Mahender K. Makhijani’s body of work reflects a deep commitment to advancing MRI technologies—particularly in vessel-wall imaging and compressed sensing. His contributions from 2006 through 2012 continue to influence and inform current practices in cardiovascular diagnostics, demonstrating the enduring value of his pioneering research mahender makhijani.