RSNA 2003 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2003


A20-171

Feasibility and Advantage of Human Neuroimaging at 7 Tesla or 298 MHz

Scientific Papers

Presented on November 30, 2003
Presented as part of A20: Physics (MR: Hardware, Pulse Sequences, Other Topics)

Participants

Haiying Liu PhD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: To develop and evaluate efficient diagnostic imaging schemes at high field strengths. To assess the feasibility of 7T scanner for neuroimaging applications. Methods and Materials: A hybrid 7T whole body MR scanner (equipped with a head gradient coil) was used for the study. The T1 weighted imaging technique was based on a rapid volumetric imaging acquisition (TR/TE=20/4ms, flip=8 degree, FOV=20cm, slice thickness=1mm) following a global magnetization inversion achieved by an adiabatic RF pulse. The T2* weighted imaging technique was based on gradient echo (GE) scheme (TR/TE=700/16ms, flip=75 degree, FOV=19.2cm, slice thickness=1mm). Results: Exquisite T1-weighted 3D brain images of human subjects were obtained at 7 Tesla in 5min with several distinct coil configurations (surface, TEM, and phase array). Also, thin slice GE images were acquired for revealing brain structures with either reduced oxygenation or high iron store / deposition. The GE images (TE=20msec) in coronal orientation showed an excellent contrast for various deep brain nuclei, including the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Conclusion: Although the magnetization relaxation times of human brain tissue are determined to be significantly longer than those of 1.5 Tesla, the unprecedented experimental evidence clearly demonstrated the potential of 7Tesla MR scanner for high field imaging applications. Furthermore, the added the SNR at 7 Tesla allows a possibility of achieving ultra high resolution imaging for delineating various deep brain structures of clinical significance, such STN. Considering the quality of images obtained and scan time taken, the results suggest diagnostic neuroimaging of human at 7T can be both feasible and practical.       Questions about this event email: liuxx105@umn.edu

Cite This Abstract

Liu PhD, H, Feasibility and Advantage of Human Neuroimaging at 7 Tesla or 298 MHz.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3106748.html