Enhancing organ and vascular contrast in preclinical ultra-low field MRI using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

ABSTRACT: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are characterized by their exceptional susceptibility and relaxivity at ultra-low field (ULF) regimes, make them a promising contrast agent (CA) for ULF MRI. Despite their distinct advantages, the translation of these properties into clinically valuable image contrast in ULF MRI remains underexplored. In this study, we investigate the use of SPIONs to generate in vivo MRI contrast at 6.5 mT within the organs and vascular system of rodents. This investigation includes comprehensive SPION characterization and phantom imaging experiments to validate the utility of SPIONs to produce positive image contrast and to facilitate phase-sensitive imaging at ULF. Optimized balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) and spoiled gradient echo (SPGR)

SUBMITTER: Shen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11438998 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature