Pushing the limits of in vivo diffusion MRI for the Human Connectome Project.

Perhaps more than any other "-omics" endeavor, the accuracy and level of detail obtained from mapping the major connection pathways in the living human brain with diffusion MRI depend on the capabilities of the imaging technology used. The current tools are remarkable; allowing the formation of an "image" of the water diffusion probability distribution in regions of complex crossing fibers at each of half a million voxels in the brain. Nonetheless our ability to map the connection pathways is limited by the image sensitivity and resolution, and also the contrast and resolution in encoding of the diffusion probability distribution.

High-resolution magnetic resonance angiography of the lower extremities with a dedicated 36-element matrix coil at 3 Tesla.

Introduction: Recent developments in hard- and software help to significantly increase image quality of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Parallel acquisition techniques (PAT) help to increase spatial resolution and to decrease acquisition time but also suffer from a decrease in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The movement to higher field strength and the use of dedicated angiography coils can further increase spatial resolution while decreasing acquisition times at the same SNR as it is known from contemporary exams.

Volumetric analysis of mice lungs in a clinical magnetic resonance imaging scanner.

Small animal models are widely used to study various pathologies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows investigation of these animals in a non-invasive way. Therefore, the aim of our study was to develop and evaluate a low-cost approach to measure lung volumes in small animal MRI using a clinical scanner and a specially designed RF coil.

Kinetic evaluation of an i.v. bolus of MR contrast media.

Currently, it is assumed that the pharmacokinetic properties of the first minutes of an I.V. MR contrast media bolus are similar to those of an i.

In vivo evaluation of an intravascular receiver coil for MRI at 1.0 Tesla.

Background: Evaluation of the applicability of intravascular radiofrequency receiver coils by means of a pig in-vivo-experiment for the detection of vessel wall structures at 1.0 Tesla.

Materials And Methods: The intravascular receiver coil was constructed according to a well evaluated single-loop-design, which was mounted onto a balloon catheter for angioplasty.