Moving MRI: Imaging a moving body with a moving magnet

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) traditionally requires subject stillness to prevent motion artifacts.
• Imaging during motion is crucial for studying dynamic processes like vestibular function and brain networks involved in sensing head motion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel Moving MRI (mMRI) system capable of acquiring images during large-scale subject motion.
• To enable neuroimaging studies centered on motion itself, particularly for vestibular function research.

Main Methods:

• Developed a proof-of-concept mMRI platform with a compact, cryogen-free magnet on a tilt mechanism.
• The magnet, gradients, and RF coil moved as a unit with the subject during scanning.
• Acquired phantom and in vivo rat brain scans during repetitive tilting.

Main Results:

• Successfully acquired brain scans during repetitive tilting motion.
• Characterized artifacts from tilt-induced field shifts and residual motion.
• Partially reduced observed artifacts, demonstrating feasibility of the mMRI approach.

Conclusions:

• Moving MRI (mMRI) enables neuroimaging during large-scale motion by minimizing relative subject-scanner movement.
• This technology can facilitate naturalistic studies of vestibular function and related brain networks.
• Provides a foundation for developing future human-compatible mMRI systems.