Multimodal mPET & mMRI Imaging Instrumentation

描述（由申请人提供）：我们建议将正电子发射断层扫描（PET）和磁共振成像（MRI）模式的最佳特征结合在一个仪器中，该仪器将同时记录两种成像模式的数据。此外，我们将开发可在PET和MRI中检测到的标记探针，以帮助解释复杂的生物过程。该系统将致力于以最高的空间和时间分辨率研究小动物模型系统。我们将在定制的7T/30cm小动物MR系统中集成一个高分辨率、相对高灵敏度的多层mpet扫描仪，该扫描仪将同时记录MR和PET图像。通过使用光纤耦合，mpet系统将对muMR系统的干扰降至最低，使高质量的mpet和IJMRI数据能够基本同时获得，并且具有近乎完美的空间配准。该系统是早期原理验证系统的自然延伸，也是一种较新的动物muPET原型系统，目前已接近完成。该系统的基本设计元素已经过测试并证明是可行的。我们提出的组合系统增加了许多重要的功能，以提高体内成像研究的性能和易用性。它还首次集成了一个多片muPET系统，该系统具有四个探测器环，同时提供七个成像平面，跨越约8mm的轴向视野，分辨率至少为2mm。同时进行的muPET/muMRI记录将提供重要的相关性，这是时间和空间分离扫描无法提供的（例如，BOLD MRI与FDG PET的比较）。融合后的系统将为muPET研究提供高分辨率的解剖参考系统。“内配准”muMR图像将用于计算IJPET图像中的散射和衰减，并估计PET扫描中的部分体积误差，从而有助于PET信号的量化。该系统将开辟许多目前独立技术无法实现的机会，其中包括：药物分布的时间相关IJPET和MRS研究；心脏，中枢神经系统和肿瘤细胞代谢。小动物fMRI和muPET神经受体脑图谱的同步研究。使用PET探针验证新的MRI探针。双PET/MRI标签将允许将MRI数据收集方案“放大”到含有标签的标本区域，并提供PET和MR图像的精确配准。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose to combine the best features of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) modalities in a single instrument that will simultaneously record data in both imaging modalities. Moreover, we will develop labeled probes that can be detected in both PET and MRI to aid in the interpretation of complex biological processes. This system will be dedicated to the study of small animal model systems at the highest spatial and temporal resolutions attainable. We will build a high resolution, relatively high sensitivity multi-slice muPET scanner integrated within a customized 7T/30cm small animal MR system that will simultaneously record MR and PET images Through the use of fiber-optic couplings, the muPET system will interfere minimally with the muMR system, enabling high quality muPET and IJMRI data to be acquired essentially simultaneously and in near-perfect spatial registration. This system is a natural extension of earlier proof-of-principle systems and a newer prototype animal muPET system now nearing completion. The basic design elements of the system have been tested and demonstrated to work. The combined system we propose adds a number of important features to improve performance and ease of use for in vivo imaging studies. It also incorporates, for the first time, a multi-slice muPET system, with four detector rings simultaneously providing seven imaging planes, spanning an axial field of view of approximately 8mm, with at least 2mm resolution. Simultaneous muPET/muMRI recordings will provide important correlations not available from temporally and spatially separate scans (e.g. BOLD MRI compared with FDG PET). The melded system will provide high resolution anatomical reference systems for muPET studies The 'in register' muMR images will be used to compute scatter and attenuation in the IJPET images and to estimate partial volume errors in the PET scans, thus aiding quantification of the PET signal. This system will open up a number of opportunities not possible with current independent technologies Among them are: Time correlated IJPET and MRS studies of drug distributions; cardiac, CNS and tumor cell metabolism. Simultaneous fMRI and muPET neuroreceptor brain mapping studies in small animals. Validation of new MRI probes using their PET counterparts. Dual PET/MRI labels will allow for "zooming-in" the MRI data collection scheme to those regions of the specimen containing the label, as well as providing for precise registration of the PET & MR images.