Meeting Banner
Abstract #0614

Quantitative Magnetization Transfer Imaging of Human Cervical Spinal Cord at 7 Tesla

SUMMA25Richard D. Dortch1, 2, Adrienne N. Dula1, 2, Ke Li1, 2, Jane A. Hirtle2, Catherine E. Frame, 23, Pooja Gaur, 24, John C. Gore1, 2, Seth A. Smith1, 2

1Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; 2Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; 3Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; 4Chemical and Physical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States

Magnetization transfer (MT) imaging has been used to assess macromolecular content in the brain; yet, similar studies in the spinal cord have been limited. The difficulties associated with spinal cord imaging include high-resolution demands. Therefore, we have developed a novel protocol for high-resolution quantitative MT imaging of the human cervical spinal cord at 7 T. Data were collected in healthy volunteers via a selective inversion recovery sequence. Macromolecular to free proton pool size ratios were consistent with reported values at lower field strengths, suggesting that qMT imaging can be performed in the human cervical spinal cord at ultra-high field.

Abstract PDF Presentation Video

Keywords

absence acknowledgments acquisition actual affine agreement allow although applied applying approaches array artifacts assess available axial biology blue blurring brain caution cervical channel characterized chemical circles coil collect columns compensation conservatively consistent cord defined demands derived despite developed deviation diameter difficulties dorsal echoes employed experimental field fits flow frame free function gore gray green healthy herein human include indicate inset institute interpreted inversion invert lateral legend macromolecular magnetization measured medical middle minimize model motion mutual normalized note numerical partial patients perhaps period physical pool pools preliminary presence previous previously protocol proton pulsation pulse pulses quadrature quantitative radiation radiology readout recovery registered registration related report reported representative required residuals resolution rigorous robustly sample saturate saturation scanner sclerosis selective sensitive shot simulation slice slightly smith solid spacing spinal spine strengths studies subjects sufficient suggest surface table tabulated tissue transfer transmission turbo ultra uniformly upon variations view volume volumes voluming volunteers white yielded zoomed