Development of high-performance low field MRI technology

National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

We have substantially improved our imaging methods in FY22. Specifically, we have further developed our 3D free-breathing stack-of-spirals imaging for higher resolution lung MRI, including the deployment of a rapid inline image reconstruction pipeline with integrated artifact correction. Efforts to develop spiral imaging methods for cardiac MRI have continued for a range of applications. In parallel, we have developed techniques to compensate for image artifacts that are uniquely problematic for contemporary low field MRI, such as concomitant fields. For clinical translation, we have deployed our oxygen-enhanced lung MRI method, which enables regional assessment of lung function, to assess a population of patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis. We have also assessed the contributions of vasodilation and T1-shortening to oxygen-enhanced MRI. We have also demonstrated the capability of 0.55T MRI for assessment of iron overload, offering advantages in patients with severe iron overload without substantial loss of measurement precision. Additionally, we have imaged several patients with COVID-19 infection with combined cardiopulmonary assessment using our novel imaging methods. This project includes close collaboration with industry to translate our developments and make them accessible to other institutions.