Imaging multiple sclerosis pathology at 160 μm isotropic resolution by human whole-brain ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2025
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Matthias Weigel1,2,3,4, Peter Dechent5, Riccardo Galbusera6,7,8
1Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Gewerbestrasse 14, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland. matthias.weigel@unibas.ch.
Abstract:
Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the fixed healthy and diseased human brain facilitates spatial resolutions and image quality that is not achievable with in vivo MRI scans. Though challenging-and almost exclusively performed at 7 T field strength-depicting the tissue architecture of the entire brain in fine detail is invaluable since it enables the study of neuroanatomy and uncovers important pathological features in neurological disorders. The objectives of the present work were (1) to develop a 3D isotropic ultra-high-resolution imaging approach for human whole-brain ex vivo acquisitions working on a standard clinical 3 T MRI system; and (2) to explore the sensitivity and specificity of this concept for specific pathoanatomical features of multiple sclerosis. The reconstructed images demonstrate unprecedented resolution and soft tissue contrast of the diseased human brain at 3 T, thus allowing visualization of sub-millimetric lesions in the different cortical layers and in the cerebellar cortex, as well as unique cortical lesion characteristics such as the presence of incomplete/complete iron rims, and patterns of iron accumulation. Further details such as the subpial molecular layer, the line of Gennari, and some intrathalamic nuclei are also well distinguishable.
Insights
Postmortem MRI at 3 Tesla reveals detailed human brain anatomy and multiple sclerosis pathology. This ultra-high-resolution imaging approach offers unprecedented insights into neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuropathology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Postmortem MRI of fixed human brains offers superior resolution compared to in vivo scans.
- High-field MRI (7T) is typically required for detailed ex vivo brain imaging, limiting accessibility.
- Understanding neuroanatomy and pathology in neurological disorders requires high-detail brain imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D isotropic ultra-high-resolution imaging method for whole human brain ex vivo scans using a clinical 3T MRI system.
- To assess the sensitivity and specificity of this 3T ex vivo MRI approach for detecting multiple sclerosis (MS) pathoanatomical features.
Main Methods:
- Development of a 3D isotropic ultra-high-resolution imaging protocol for ex vivo whole human brain acquisition.
- Acquisition of fixed human brain samples using a standard clinical 3T MRI scanner.
- Image reconstruction and analysis focusing on soft tissue contrast and resolution for pathological features.
Main Results:
- Achieved unprecedented resolution and soft tissue contrast for ex vivo human brain imaging at 3T.
- Visualized sub-millimetric lesions in cortical and cerebellar layers, characteristic of multiple sclerosis.
- Identified unique cortical lesion features, including incomplete/complete iron rims and iron accumulation patterns.
Conclusions:
- A 3T ex vivo MRI approach enables ultra-high-resolution imaging of the human brain, comparable to higher field strengths.
- This method effectively visualizes subtle neuropathological features, such as MS lesions and iron deposition patterns.
- The developed technique provides valuable insights into neuroanatomy and pathology, advancing the study of neurological disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging