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Imaging living mice using a 1‐T compact MRI system
Author(s) -
Inoue Yusuke,
Nomura Yukihiro,
Haishi Tomoyuki,
Yoshikawa Kohki,
Seki Takahiro,
TsukiyamaKohara Kyoko,
Kai Chieko,
Okubo Toshiyuki,
Ohtomo Kuni
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of magnetic resonance imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.563
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1522-2586
pISSN - 1053-1807
DOI - 10.1002/jmri.20713
Subject(s) - image quality , magnetic resonance imaging , voxel , nuclear medicine , computer science , biomedical engineering , medicine , computer vision , radiology , image (mathematics)
Purpose To determine the feasibility of imaging living mice with a 1‐T compact MRI system and investigate appropriate imaging techniques for use in routine animal experiments. Materials and Methods An MRI system consisting of a 1‐T permanent magnet and compact console was used. Images of the entire trunks of living mice were obtained on the system using a T1‐weighted three‐dimensional fast low‐angle shot (3D FLASH) sequence, and image quality was evaluated in relation to imaging techniques. Results Restraint of respiratory motion improved the image quality. Decreasing the slice thickness reduced artificial inhomogeneity in signal intensity (SI). Substantial effects of TR and FA on image quality were also demonstrated. With the determined techniques, images covering the entire trunk with a voxel size of 0.26 × 0.26 × 0.52 mm were acquired in an acquisition time of five minutes 28 seconds and a total experiment time of <20 minutes, and various organs and subcutaneous tumors were clearly visualized. Conclusion The compact MRI system provides images of living mice with acceptable quality in a reasonable time. Considering its convenience, it appears to be suitable for use in routine mouse experiments. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.