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A CT-, PET- and MR-imaging-compatible hyperbaric pressure chamber for baromedical research
Kasper Hansen1, Esben Ss Hansen2, Lars P Tolbod3
1Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark, MR Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark, Comparative Medicine Lab and Institute for Clinical Medicine, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark,
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
|December 22, 2015
Summary
A new preclinical pressure chamber enables continuous imaging with CT, PET, and MRI during hyperbaric exposures. Image intensity requires no correction up to 1.013 mPa, allowing for anatomical and physiological data acquisition.
Area of Science:
- Preclinical Imaging
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Medical Device Development
Background:
- Advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are crucial for preclinical research.
- Hyperbaric exposures require specialized equipment that can maintain pressure without compromising imaging quality.
- Current limitations exist in acquiring continuous, high-resolution imaging data during pressurized conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel rodent-sized pressure chamber system compatible with CT, PET, and MRI.
- To assess the impact of varying hyperbaric pressures on image intensity and signal characteristics across different imaging modalities.
- To validate the utility of the system for minimally invasive, continuous data acquisition during hyperbaric exposures.
Main Methods:
- A rodent-sized pressure chamber was designed and integrated with CT, PET, and MRI systems.
- Tissue-representative phantoms were imaged at normobaric and hyperbaric pressures up to 1.013 mPa.
- Linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate the relationship between image signals and pressure for each phantom.
Main Results:
- CT and PET imaging showed no significant effect of pressure on image intensity, except for air, which increased Hounsfield units with pressure.
- MRI revealed no changes in longitudinal relaxation rate (R₁) but slight alterations in transversal relaxation rate (R₂).
- R₂ changes in MRI correlated with gadolinium concentration, indicating pressure effects on contrast agent behavior.
Conclusions:
- A novel pressure chamber system compatible with CT, PET, and MRI has been successfully developed.
- No image intensity correction is necessary for CT, PET, or MRI up to 1.013 mPa.
- The system facilitates the acquisition of anatomical and physiological data from pressurized model animals using standard imaging modalities.
