Cerebellar cortical layers: in vivo visualization with structural high-field-strength MR imaging

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Background:

• High magnetic field strength (7 Tesla) offers enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and contrast.
• Cerebellar structures, including cortical layers, are crucial for neurological function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve in vivo imaging of the cerebellum with 120 µm in-plane resolution.
• To visualize the granular and molecular layers of the cerebellar cortex.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 7-T MRI system for gradient-echo imaging.
• Acquired images of the human cerebellum with approximately 120 µm in-plane resolution and 1 mm section thickness.
• Compared results with rat cerebellum images acquired at 14 T with 30 µm resolution.

Main Results:

• Successfully detected in vivo structures as small as 240 µm, including cerebellar granular and molecular layers.
• Confirmed detection by comparing contrast on T2*-weighted and phase images.

Conclusions:

• In vivo cerebellar imaging at near-microscopic resolution is feasible at 7 T.
• This technique could offer new diagnostic and follow-up markers for diseases affecting the cerebellum, such as stroke, tumors, autism, and schizophrenia.