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Published on: July 21, 2011
Microstructural origins of gadolinium-enhanced susceptibility contrast and anisotropy
Russell Dibb1, Wei Li, Gary Cofer
1Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Purpose:
MR histology based on magnetic susceptibility can be used to visualize diamagnetic myelin (and its deterioration) in the central nervous system and is facilitated by the application of high magnetic field strengths and paramagnetic contrast agents. Characterizing the effect of these tools will aid in assessing white matter myelin content and microstructure.
Methods:
Image data from six gadolinium-perfused mouse brain specimens were acquired at 2.0, 7.0, and 9.4 Tesla. Magnetic susceptibility contrast was analyzed for its dependence on field strength, gadolinium concentration, and white matter fiber orientation. A model for this contrast is presented based on the three-pool model for white matter.
Results:
The specimen data illustrate that white-gray matter susceptibility contrast is field strength independent. White-gray matter contrast improves significantly as a function of gadolinium contrast agent in the tissue, i.e., white matter appears increasingly more diamagnetic relative to gray matter. The simulated data from the model suggest that susceptibility anisotropy of white matter fiber bundles increases nonlinearly as a function of gadolinium concentration due to contrast agent compartmentalization into the extracellular white matter water pool.
Conclusion:
Using contrast agents in MR histology facilitates white-gray matter susceptibility contrast modulation and the probing of white matter microstructure and orientation.
Insights
Magnetic susceptibility contrast in MR histology visualizes myelin. Gadolinium contrast agents enhance white-gray matter contrast, aiding white matter microstructure assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Magnetic susceptibility contrast in Magnetic Resonance (MR) histology visualizes central nervous system myelin.
- High magnetic field strengths and paramagnetic contrast agents facilitate myelin visualization and assessment of its deterioration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the effects of magnetic field strength and paramagnetic contrast agents on MR histology.
- To aid in assessing white matter myelin content and microstructure.
Main Methods:
- Acquired MR image data from gadolinium-perfused mouse brain specimens at 2.0, 7.0, and 9.4 Tesla.
- Analyzed magnetic susceptibility contrast dependence on field strength, gadolinium concentration, and white matter fiber orientation.
- Developed a model for contrast based on the three-pool model for white matter.
Main Results:
- White-gray matter susceptibility contrast was independent of field strength.
- Gadolinium contrast agents significantly improved white-gray matter contrast, making white matter appear more diamagnetic.
- Model simulations indicated nonlinear increases in white matter susceptibility anisotropy with gadolinium concentration due to compartmentalization.
Conclusions:
- Contrast agents in MR histology effectively modulate white-gray matter susceptibility contrast.
- MR histology with contrast agents facilitates probing of white matter microstructure and fiber orientation.
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Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...