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Zhao Y, Ding Y, Lau V, Man C, Su S, Xiao L, Leong ATL, Wu EX. Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging at 0.05 Tesla. Science 2024; 384:eadm7168. [PMID: 38723062 DOI: 10.1126/science.adm7168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Despite a half-century of advancements, global magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accessibility remains limited and uneven, hindering its full potential in health care. Initially, MRI development focused on low fields around 0.05 Tesla, but progress halted after the introduction of the 1.5 Tesla whole-body superconducting scanner in 1983. Using a permanent 0.05 Tesla magnet and deep learning for electromagnetic interference elimination, we developed a whole-body scanner that operates using a standard wall power outlet and without radiofrequency and magnetic shielding. We demonstrated its wide-ranging applicability for imaging various anatomical structures. Furthermore, we developed three-dimensional deep learning reconstruction to boost image quality by harnessing extensive high-field MRI data. These advances pave the way for affordable deep learning-powered ultra-low-field MRI scanners, addressing unmet clinical needs in diverse health care settings worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Zhao
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ye Ding
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vick Lau
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Christopher Man
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shi Su
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Linfang Xiao
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alex T L Leong
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ed X Wu
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Man C, Lau V, Su S, Zhao Y, Xiao L, Ding Y, Leung GK, Leong AT, Wu EX. Deep learning enabled fast 3D brain MRI at 0.055 tesla. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi9327. [PMID: 37738341 PMCID: PMC10516503 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi9327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an intensive development of portable ultralow-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for low-cost, shielding-free, and point-of-care applications. However, its quality is poor and scan time is long. We propose a fast acquisition and deep learning reconstruction framework to accelerate brain MRI at 0.055 tesla. The acquisition consists of a single average three-dimensional (3D) encoding with 2D partial Fourier sampling, reducing the scan time of T1- and T2-weighted imaging protocols to 2.5 and 3.2 minutes, respectively. The 3D deep learning leverages the homogeneous brain anatomy available in high-field human brain data to enhance image quality, reduce artifacts and noise, and improve spatial resolution to synthetic 1.5-mm isotropic resolution. Our method successfully overcomes low-signal barrier, reconstructing fine anatomical structures that are reproducible within subjects and consistent across two protocols. It enables fast and quality whole-brain MRI at 0.055 tesla, with potential for widespread biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Man
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Vick Lau
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi Su
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujiao Zhao
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linfang Xiao
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Ding
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gilberto K. K. Leung
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Alex T. L. Leong
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ed X. Wu
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
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Giovannetti G, Flori A, Frijia F. Conductor Losses in Radiofrequency Coils for Magnetic Resonance below 3T: Estimation Methods and Minimization Strategies. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5586. [PMID: 37420752 DOI: 10.3390/s23125586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The design of optimized radiofrequency (RF) coils is a fundamental task for maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) applications. An efficient coil should be designed by minimizing the coil noise with respect to the sample noise, since coil conductor resistance affects data quality by reducing the SNR, especially for coils tuned to a low frequency. Such conductor losses strongly depend on the frequency (due to the skin effect) and on the conductor cross-sectional shape (strip or wire). This paper reviews the different methods for estimating conductor losses in RF coils for MRI/MRS applications, comprising analytical formulations, theoretical/experimental hybrid approaches and full-wave simulations. Moreover, the different strategies for minimizing such losses, including the use of Litz wire, cooled and superconducting coils, are described. Finally, recent emerging technologies in RF coil design are briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Giovannetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Flori
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria e Ingegneria Clinica, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Frijia
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria e Ingegneria Clinica, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Wang W, Sánchez-Heredia JD, Olin RB, Hansen ESS, Laustsen C, Zhurbenko V, Ardenkjaer-Larsen JH. A cryogenic 14-channel 13 C receiver array for 3T human head imaging. Magn Reson Med 2023; 89:1265-1277. [PMID: 36321576 PMCID: PMC10092528 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This article presents a novel 14-channel receive-only array for 13 C human head imaging at 3 T that explores the SNR gain by operating at cryogenic temperature cooled by liquid nitrogen. METHODS Cryostats are developed to evaluate single-coil bench SNR performance and cool the 14-channel array with liquid nitrogen while having enough thermal insulation between the coils and the sample. The temperature distribution for the coil array is measured. Circuits are adapted to the -189°C environment and implemented in the 14-channel array. 13 C images are acquired with the array at cryogenic and room temperature in a 3T scanner. RESULTS Compared with room temperature, the array at cryogenic temperature provides 27%-168% SNR improvement over all voxels and 47% SNR improvement near the image center. The measurements show a decrease of the element noise correlation at cryogenic temperature. CONCLUSION It is demonstrated that higher SNR can be achieved by cryogenically cooling the 14-channel array. A cryogenic array suitable for clinical imaging can be further developed on the array proposed. The cryogenic coil array is most likely suited for scenarios in which high SNR deep in a head and decent SNR on the periphery are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Wang
- National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Rie Beck Olin
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Christoffer Laustsen
- MR Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vitaliy Zhurbenko
- National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Ye Z, Song B, Lee PM, Ohliger MA, Laustsen C. Hyperpolarized carbon 13 MRI in liver diseases: Recent advances and future opportunities. Liver Int 2022; 42:973-983. [PMID: 35230742 PMCID: PMC9313895 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hyperpolarized carbon-13 magnetic resonance imaging (HP 13 C MRI) is a recently translated metabolic imaging technique. With dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (d-DNP), more than 10 000-fold signal enhancement can be readily reached, making it possible to visualize real-time metabolism and specific substrate-to-metabolite conversions in the liver after injecting carbon-13 labelled probes. Increasing evidence suggests that HP 13 C MRI is a potential tool in detecting liver abnormalities, predicting disease progression and monitoring response treatment. In this review, we will introduce the recent progresses of HP 13 C MRI in diffuse liver diseases and liver malignancies and discuss its future opportunities from a clinical perspective, hoping to provide a comprehensive overview of this novel technique in liver diseases and highlight its scientific and clinical potential in the field of hepatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Ye
- Department of RadiologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- The MR Research Center, Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Bin Song
- Department of RadiologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Philip M. Lee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical ImagingUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michael A. Ohliger
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical ImagingUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Christoffer Laustsen
- The MR Research Center, Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
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Hansen K, Hansen ESS, Jespersen NRV, Bøtker HE, Pedersen M, Wang T, Laustsen C. Hyperpolarized
13
C
MRI Reveals Large Changes in Pyruvate Metabolism During Digestion in Snakes. Magn Reson Med 2022; 88:890-900. [PMID: 35426467 PMCID: PMC9321735 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Hansen
- Comparative Medicine Lab, Department of Clinical Medicine Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
- Zoophysiology, Department of Biology Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
- Department of Forensic Medicine Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | | | | | - Hans Erik Bøtker
- Cardiology, Department of Clinical Medicine Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Michael Pedersen
- Comparative Medicine Lab, Department of Clinical Medicine Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Tobias Wang
- Zoophysiology, Department of Biology Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Christoffer Laustsen
- MR Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
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Zeng C, Chen Z, Yang H, Fan Y, Fei L, Chen X, Zhang M. Advanced high resolution three-dimensional imaging to visualize the cerebral neurovascular network in stroke. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:552-571. [PMID: 35002509 PMCID: PMC8741851 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.64373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
As an important method to accurately and timely diagnose stroke and study physiological characteristics and pathological mechanism in it, imaging technology has gone through more than a century of iteration. The interaction of cells densely packed in the brain is three-dimensional (3D), but the flat images brought by traditional visualization methods show only a few cells and ignore connections outside the slices. The increased resolution allows for a more microscopic and underlying view. Today's intuitive 3D imagings of micron or even nanometer scale are showing its essentiality in stroke. In recent years, 3D imaging technology has gained rapid development. With the overhaul of imaging mediums and the innovation of imaging mode, the resolution has been significantly improved, endowing researchers with the capability of holistic observation of a large volume, real-time monitoring of tiny voxels, and quantitative measurement of spatial parameters. In this review, we will summarize the current methods of high-resolution 3D imaging applied in stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chudai Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, 410008
| | - Zhuohui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, 410008
| | - Haojun Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, 410008
| | - Yishu Fan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, 410008
| | - Lujing Fei
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, 410008
| | - Xinghang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, 410008
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410008.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, 410008
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