Presentation: P02022

Introduction: High field (≥4.7T), small bore MR systems are the most commonly used instruments for in vivo, small animal MRI/MRS. Larger bore systems have the practical advantage of accommodating multi-coil probes capable of imaging many animals at one time; accordingly reducing the cost of doing non-invasive imaging studies. Some advantages for imaging at lower fields on a clinical MR device and include: i) a large volume of usable homogeneity, and ii) better access for anesthesia and physiological monitoring.

Methods: A four coil ‘multi-mouse array’© (MMA) was constructed using quadrature birdcage coils; coils are large enough to image the entire mouse.

Discussion and Conclusions: HTP MRI of rodents at 3T is demonstrated. These yield high resolution, high contrast-to-noise images in a relatively short acquisition time. Small animal imaging at 3 Tesla is practical; 3T offers a wide range of research uses in animals including drug development and toxicity testing.

Close Window X