Coil optimization for low-field MRI: a dedicated process for small animal preclinical studies

We demonstrate a method for the fast in vivo quantification of small volumes, down to 25 µL, using low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coils. The coils were designed so as to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the images. For this we developed an analytical model for describing the variations of the SNR with coil design and with size/shape suited to the object under observation. Based on the conclusions drawn from the model, the coil parameters were chosen in order to reach an SNR close to the maximum. For the validation of the model, coils were finally characterized in terms of quality factor using saline phantoms. The coil design procedure is illustrated here with two examples: first, the quantification of about 200 µL of intradermal injected gel on rabbits with a single loop surface coil and second, the imaging of the intervertebral disks in rat tails using a small volume coil to detect possible lesions. Such studies would not have been feasible for the clinical low-field MRI system at our disposal using any of the commercially available medium-sized manufactured coils. As a result of this simple optimization procedure, a wide range of applications is accessible even at low magnetic fields, leading to new opportunities for low-cost, though efficient, preclinical studies.

Trabecular alveolar bone microarchitecture in the human mandible using high resolution magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVES

Cancellous bone microarchitecture in the mandible can influence the success of dental implant osseointegration. The aims of this study were to explore the feasibility of two-dimensional (2D) high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of trabecular bone architecture and to compare architecture parameters derived from MR images between different areas in the mandible, and between sex and dental status.

METHODS

45 mandibular bone specimens (8 mm thickness) were cut from 15 fresh cadavers. MR images were obtained at 2 T using a multislice 2D spin-echo sequence. After MR image binarization, histomorphometry parameters, i.e. bone area fraction (BAF), specific perimeter (La), trabecular bone width (Tb.Wi), trabecular bone separation (Tb.Sp) and trabecular network anisotropy (R), were computed from the mean intercept length. The angle between trabeculae and tooth axis and the Euler-Poincaré characteristics (EPCs) were also computed.

RESULTS

BAF, Tb.Wi and R were significantly higher in male specimens compared with female specimens, whereas Tb.Sp was significantly lower. The apparent Tb.Wi was found to be significantly higher in dentate specimens compared with edentulous ones. The highest anisotropy, corresponding to the smallest R value, was seen in the incisal specimens. The preferential orientation of the trabeculae was close to perpendicular to the tooth axis, especially in the molar specimens.

CONCLUSION

BAF, La, Tb.Wi, Tb.Sp and R, the most variable parameters, may potentially have a relationship with the biomechanical competence of trabecular bone and play a role both in primary stabilization of dental implant and the time needed before loading.

Magnetic resonance imaging of rodent teeth

In this paper, the anatomical structures of rat jaws are studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with high spatial resolution. In vivo microimages of teeth from 3- and 12-week-old (young and adult) rats have been performed. A 2 T nuclear magnetic resonance microscope was used to collect, with multiple orientations, non-invasive 2D data images using the spin-echo technique. MRI appears well suited to give images of the oral area and may represent a useful tool for diagnosis of dental diseases and more particularly of pulp pathologies.