Generic acquisition protocol for quantitative MRI of the spinal cord

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Quantitative MRI
• Spinal Cord Imaging

Background:

• Quantitative spinal cord (SC) MRI faces challenges due to non-standardized protocols.
• Lack of standardized protocols hinders consistent SC imaging research and clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a prospectively harmonized quantitative MRI protocol for SC imaging.
• To provide guidance for assessing SC macrostructural and microstructural integrity on 3T MRI systems.
• To facilitate the common inclusion of SC imaging in future neuroimaging initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Developed the 'spine generic protocol' for GE, Philips, and Siemens 3T MRI systems.
• Included sequences for SC cross-sectional area (T1w, T2w), gray matter area (multi-echo GRE), and white matter microstructure (MT, DWI).
• Protocol details are publicly available via an open-access document.

Main Results:

• The spine generic protocol was successfully applied across 42 centers in 260 healthy subjects (reported in a companion paper).
• The protocol enables assessment of SC macrostructure and white matter microstructure.
• Demonstrated feasibility of standardized SC MRI acquisition in a multi-center setting.

Conclusions:

• The spine generic protocol offers a standardized approach for quantitative SC MRI.
• It serves as a foundation for researchers and clinicians initiating SC imaging studies.
• Implementation by trained personnel is feasible, promoting wider SC MRI adoption.