Magnetic particle imaging: Development and evaluation of novel methodology for the assessment of the aorta in vivo in a small animal model of aortic aneurysms

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Marcus R. Makowski; Professor Dr. Tobias Schäffter
• Subject Area: Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology ; Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy, Radiobiology
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 312920752

Compared to other imaging modalities, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MPI allows for 3D imaging of magnetic particles with a significantly higher sensitivity and temporal resolution. Preliminary results using MPI have shown the potential of this novel technology to perform angiographies. The proposed project will build on the DFG major equipment action that has funded a preclinical MPI scanner in Berlin. The aim of this project is: 1) to develop novel image acquisition and reconstruction techniques for MPI to improve the acquisition of angiographies and the quantification of iron oxide particle uptake in vessel wall. 2) to test these novel acquisitions techniques in an animal model of aortic aneurysm. In particular the spatial and temporal resolution of MPI will be validated. Additionally, we will evaluate whether MPI can accurately quantify iron oxide particles that accumulate in the arterial wall, on early and delayed scans (e.g. 24 hours after administration of particles). We will compare the performance of MPI with MRI to characterize aortic aneurysms and quantify iron oxide uptake by MR relaxometry and susceptibility mapping. All in vivo results will be validated ex vivo using reference methods including histology and mass spectroscopy.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Lutz Trahms