title: 3D MTR measurement: from 1.5 T to 3.0 T.
abstract: This study investigates some of the issues involved in magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) acquisition, and in particular aims to determine whether high quality in vivo MTR measurements can be made at 3.0 T. The dependency of the MTR white-to-grey matter contrast to noise ratio (CNR) on MT pulse characteristics at 1.5 T and at 3.0 T was investigated using an established two-pool model for MT. The simulations showed that MT pulse parameters optimizing the CNR can be derived for both field strengths. Both the SNR and the CNR of MTR maps at 3.0 T were increased compared to 1.5 T. Images obtained using a safe in vivo MTR acquisition protocol based on results of simulations at 3.0 T are presented.
authors.affiliation: NMR Research Unit, Department of Neuroinflammation, 6th floor, Queen Square House, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, England, UK. m.cercignani@ion.ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Mara
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cercignani
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Symms
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ron
authors.forename: Gareth J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Barker
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity