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Development of a hybrid EPR/NMR coimaging system
Author(s) -
Samouilov Alexandre,
Caia George L.,
Kesselring Eric,
Petryakov Sergey,
Wasowicz Tomasz,
Zweier Jay L.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.21205
Subject(s) - electron paramagnetic resonance , nuclear magnetic resonance , paramagnetism , magnetic resonance imaging , proton , chemistry , materials science , physics , nuclear physics , condensed matter physics , medicine , radiology
Electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) is a powerful technique that enables spatial mapping of free radicals or other paramagnetic compounds; however, it does not in itself provide anatomic visualization of the body. Proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well suited to provide anatomical visualization. A hybrid EPR/NMR coimaging instrument was constructed that utilizes the complementary capabilities of both techniques, superimposing EPR and proton‐MR images to provide the distribution of paramagnetic species in the body. A common magnet and field gradient system is utilized along with a dual EPR and proton‐NMR resonator assembly, enabling coimaging without the need to move the sample. EPRI is performed at ∼1.2 GHz/∼40 mT and proton MRI is performed at 16.18 MHz/∼380 mT; hence the method is suitable for whole‐body coimaging of living mice. The gradient system used is calibrated and controlled in such a manner that the spatial geometry of the two acquired images is matched, enabling their superposition without additional postprocessing or marker registration. The performance of the system was tested in a series of phantoms and in vivo applications by mapping the location of a paramagnetic probe in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of mice. This hybrid EPR/NMR coimaging instrument enables imaging of paramagnetic molecules along with their anatomic localization in the body. Magn Reson Med 58:156–166, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.