New Methods of Low-Field MRI for Application to Traumatic Brain Injury.

摘要

We are developing robust low-magnetic-field implementations of MRI (LFI) focused on brain imaging with two complimentary test scanner systems: electromagnet and permanent magnet based. We have also developing injury-sensitive MRI based on the detection of free radicals associated with injury using the Overhauser effect and subsequently imaging that modified nuclear polarization using low-field MRI (OMRI). We have been optimizing imaging sequences, image reconstruction, and parallel imaging based acceleration in this unique regime. Results include demonstration of 3D human brain imaging in the electromagnet LFI at 6.5 mT, 2D imaging in a 100 lb scanner based on a rotating permanent magnet array, and free-radical imaging ex vivo as a path toward in vivo applications. Application of the suite of techniques and technologies from our work could advise future development of a deployable device with a high diagnostic impact, transforming diagnosis and monitoring of secondary injury prevalent in TBI.