In vivo echo-planar imaging of rat spinal cord

An integrated approach to echo-planar imaging of rat spinal cord in vivo with a small field of view (FOV) is presented. This protocol is based on a multishot interleaved echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequence and includes: 1) use of an inductively coupled implantable coil for improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); 2) three-dimensional (3D) automatic shimming of the magnetic field over the spinal cord; and 3) post-acquisition data processing using a multireference scan for minimizing image artifacts. Some of the practical issues in implementing this protocol are discussed. This imaging protocol will be useful in characterizing the spinal cord pathology using techniques that are otherwise time-consuming, such as diffusion tensor imaging.