Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging and Spectroscopy of the muscle is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of Neuromuscular Disorders (NMD). New Ultra-High Field (UHF) 7 T MRI systems, with their enhanced Signal-to-Noise Ratio, may offer increased image quality in terms of spatial resolution and/or shorter scanning time compared to lower field systems. In the study of NMD the new features provided by UHF MR may allow the use of functional techniques to improve biochemical and physiological information of skeletal muscle correlated to the pathogenesis and progression of the muscle involvement. This study reports the recent achievements in muscle imaging and spectroscopy obtained at the first Italian 7 T MR scanner available at the IMAGO7 Foundation (Pisa, Italy). Dedicated radio-frequency coils for proton imaging and phosphorous spectroscopy have been designed, developed and validated in vivo, and are now ready for clinical research studies.
Non-invasive assessment of Neuromuscular Disorders by 7 tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy: Dedicated radio-frequency coil development
STARA, RICCARDO;FANTACCI, MARIA EVELINA;TONCELLI, ALESSANDRA;COSOTTINI, MIRCO;ASTREA, GUJA;Battini, Roberta;TIBERI, GIANLUIGI;COSTAGLI, MAURO;TOSETTI, MICHELA
2015-01-01
Abstract
Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging and Spectroscopy of the muscle is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of Neuromuscular Disorders (NMD). New Ultra-High Field (UHF) 7 T MRI systems, with their enhanced Signal-to-Noise Ratio, may offer increased image quality in terms of spatial resolution and/or shorter scanning time compared to lower field systems. In the study of NMD the new features provided by UHF MR may allow the use of functional techniques to improve biochemical and physiological information of skeletal muscle correlated to the pathogenesis and progression of the muscle involvement. This study reports the recent achievements in muscle imaging and spectroscopy obtained at the first Italian 7 T MR scanner available at the IMAGO7 Foundation (Pisa, Italy). Dedicated radio-frequency coils for proton imaging and phosphorous spectroscopy have been designed, developed and validated in vivo, and are now ready for clinical research studies.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
