Next Generation 7T MRI Platform Upgrade with Parallel Transmit Capabilities

描述(申请人提供)：这项共享仪器拨款申请的长期目标是为斯坦福大学的研究界带来新一代7特斯拉全身磁共振成像(MRI)系统，特别是具有并行传输能力的GE Discover MR950 7.0T系统，作为尖端成像技术研发以及放射学和神经科学研究的平台。我们在这份提案中描述的方法是跨学科的，汇集了来自物理、工程、生物工程、生物学、生理学、放射学、神经学、精神病学和心理学等专业的研究人员。这里要求的共享仪器将成为该小组创建、改进、实施、验证和利用最先进形式的磁共振成像的催化剂和公共平台。新一代7T MRI平台以患者为基础的主要成像研究应用包括脑发育、精神病理学、药物依赖、酒精诱导的脑损伤及其功能后果、神经退化过程、Williams、Turner和Fragile X综合征、脑损伤、乳腺癌、关节损伤以及与上述部分或全部相关的治疗干预。这一新一代7T磁共振成像平台将推动的主要技术开发方向包括大脑和肌肉骨骼系统中质子(1H)核以及非质子核的磁共振波谱成像(MRSI)、大脑中先进的灌注和扩散张量成像、全乳腺成像，以及重要的用于缓解限制高磁场MRI在任何器官系统中使用的B1不均一性的并行传输技术。拟议研究的总体目标是开发软件和硬件方法，使7T MRI对临床研究产生比以前更大的影响，并将高场MRI的能力扩展到前所未有的空间分辨率、代谢物和铁的敏感性以及组织特征的水平。拟议的研究项目与卫生和公众服务部的使命高度一致，并与公共卫生有关。拟议的研究将在以下领域的跨学科实验室进行：高场和高灵敏度磁共振成像方法开发(Brian Rutt，Pi博士)，发育障碍和临床神经科学(Allan Reiss博士)，DTI方法开发(Roland Bammer博士)，肌肉骨骼疾病和放射研究(Garry Gold博士)，乳腺MRI方法开发(Brian Hargreaves博士)，平行传输和射频脉冲技术开发(John Paly博士)，精神疾病和神经成像(Dolf Pfefferbaum和Edith Sullivan博士)，MR光谱成像方法开发(Dan Spielman博士)，精神疾病和临床神经科学(Edith Sullivan博士)，认知神经科学和神经成像(Brian Wandell博士)和神经血管成像(Greg Zaharchuk博士)。 项目简介/相关性：大脑发育和功能障碍(包括生命早期和晚期)、乳腺癌和关节损伤/疼痛是影响全球数十亿人的三种截然不同的病理。在斯坦福大学部署新一代人类7T磁共振成像系统将提供一个平台，不仅可以显著扩展磁共振成像方法的开发，还可以扩展基础生物学和临床研究，所有这些都承诺为我们机构改善患有这些疾病的个人的健康和福祉的长期目标做出实质性贡献。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-term objective of this Shared Instrumentation Grant application is to bring to the research community at Stanford a next-generation 7 Tesla whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, specifically the GE Discover MR950 7.0T system with parallel transmit capabilities, to serve as a platform for cutting-edge imaging technology research and development, as well as for radiological and neuroscience research. The approach we describe in this proposal is interdisciplinary, bringing together researchers from the specialties of physics, engineering, bioengineering, biology, physiology, radiology, neurology, psychiatry, and psychology. The shared instrumentation requested here will act as a catalyst and common platform for this group to create, refine, implement, validate and utilize the most advanced forms of magnetic resonance imaging. Major patient-based imaging research applications of the next-generation 7T MRI platform include studies of brain development, psychopathology, drug dependence, alcohol-induced brain damage and its functional consequences, neurodegenerative processes, Williams, Turner and fragile X syndromes, brain injury, breast cancer, joint injuries, and therapeutic interventions associated with some or all of the above. Major technology development directions that will be enabled by this next-generation 7T MRI platform include MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of the proton (1H) nucleus as well as non-proton nuclei, in both brain and musculoskeletal systems, advanced perfusion and diffusion tensor imaging in brain, whole breast imaging, and, importantly, parallel transmit technology for mitigating B1 inhomogeneities that limit the use of high magnetic field MRI in any organ system. The overarching aims of the proposed research are to develop software and hardware methods to allow 7T MRI to have a much greater impact on clinical research than possible before, as well as to extend the capabilities of high-field MRI to unprecedented levels of spatial resolution, metabolite and iron sensitivity, and tissue characterization. The proposed research projects are highly compatible with the mission of the Department of Health and Human Services and relevant to public health. The proposed research will take place at interdisciplinary laboratories directed by international leaders in imaging research: high field and high sensitivity MRI methodology development (Dr. Brian Rutt, PI), developmental disorders and clinical neuroscience (Dr. Allan Reiss), DTI methodology development (Dr. Roland Bammer), musculoskeletal disorders and radiological research (Dr. Garry Gold), breast MRI methodology development (Dr. Brian Hargreaves), parallel transmit and RF pulse technology development (Dr. John Pauly), psychiatric disorders and neuroimaging (Drs. Dolf Pfefferbaum and Edith Sullivan), MR spectroscopic imaging methodology development (Dr. Dan Spielman), psychiatric disorders and clinical neuroscience (Dr. Edith Sullivan), cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging (Dr. Brian Wandell) and neurovascular imaging (Dr. Greg Zaharchuk). Project Narrative / Relevance: Disorders of brain development and function (both early and late in life), breast cancer and joint injuries/pain are three disparate pathologies that affect billions of people worldwide. The placement of a next generation, human 7T MRI system to Stanford will provide a platform for significant expansion of not just MRI methodology development, but also both basic biological as well as clinical research, all of which promise to contribute substantively to our institution's long-term goals for improving the health and well being of individuals suffering from these disorders.