Michelle A. Espy

Microtesla MRI of the human brain combined with MEG.

One of the challenges in functional brain imaging is integration of complementary imaging modalities, such as magnetoencephalography (MEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). MEG, which uses highly sensitive superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) to directly measure magnetic fields of neuronal currents, cannot be combined with conventional high-field MRI in a single instrument. Indirect matching of MEG and MRI data leads to significant co-registration errors. A recently proposed imaging method--SQUID-based microtesla MRI--can be naturally combined with MEG in the same system to directly provide structural maps for MEG-localized sources. It enables easy and accurate integration of MEG and MRI/fMRI, because microtesla MR images can be precisely matched to structural images provided by high-field MRI and other techniques. Here we report the first images of the human brain by microtesla MRI, together with auditory MEG (functional) data, recorded using the same seven-channel SQUID system during the same imaging session. The images were acquired at 46 microT measurement field with pre-polarization at 30 mT. We also estimated transverse relaxation times for different tissues at microtesla fields. Our results demonstrate feasibility and potential of human brain imaging by microtesla MRI. They also show that two new types of imaging equipment--low-cost systems for anatomical MRI of the human brain at microtesla fields, and more advanced instruments for combined functional (MEG) and structural (microtesla MRI) brain imaging--are practical.

Toward direct neural current imaging by resonant mechanisms at ultra-low field

A variety of techniques have been developed to noninvasively image human brain function that are central to research and clinical applications endeavoring to understand how the brain works and to detect pathology (e.g. epilepsy, schizophrenia, etc.). Current methods can be broadly divided into those that rely on hemodynamic responses as indicators of neural activity (e.g. fMRI, optical, and PET) and methods that measure neural activity directly (e.g. MEG and EEG). The approaches all suffer from poor temporal resolution, poor spatial localization, or indirectly measuring neural activity. It has been suggested that the proton spin population will be altered by neural activity resulting in a measurable effect on the NMR signal that can be imaged by MRI methods. We present here the physical basis and experimental evidence for the resonant interaction between magnetic fields such as those arising from neural activity, with the spin population in ultra-low field (microT) NMR experiments. We demonstrate through the use of current phantoms that, in the case of correlated zero-mean current distributions such as those one might expect to result from neural activity, resonant interactions will produce larger changes in the observed NMR signal than dephasing. The observed resonant interactions reported here might one day form the foundation of a new functional neuroimaging modality ultimately capable of simultaneous direct neural activity and brain anatomy tomography.

Simultaneous magnetoencephalography and SQUID detected nuclear MR in microtesla magnetic fields

A system that simultaneously measures magnetoencephalography (MEG) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals from the human brain was designed and fabricated. A superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) sensor coupled to a gradiometer pickup coil was used to measure the NMR and MEG signals. 1H NMR spectra with typical Larmor frequencies from 100–1000 Hz acquired simultaneously with the evoked MEG response from a stimulus to the median nerve are reported. The single SQUID gradiometer was placed approximately over the somatosensory cortex of a human subject to noninvasively record the signals. These measurements demonstrate, for the first time, the feasibility of simultaneous MRI and MEG. NMR in the microtesla regime provides narrow linewidths and the potential for high spatial resolution imaging, while SQUID sensors enable direct measurement of neuronal activity with high temporal resolution via MEG. Magn Reson Med 52:467–470, 2004.

Parallel MRI at microtesla fields

Parallel imaging techniques have been widely used in high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multiple receiver coils have been shown to improve image quality and allow accelerated image acquisition. Magnetic resonance imaging at ultra-low fields (ULF MRI) is a new imaging approach that uses SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) sensors to measure the spatially encoded precession of pre-polarized nuclear spin populations at microtesla-range measurement fields. In this work, parallel imaging at microtesla fields is systematically studied for the first time. A seven-channel SQUID system, designed for both ULF MRI and magnetoencephalography (MEG), is used to acquire 3D images of a human hand, as well as 2D images of a large water phantom. The imaging is performed at 46 mu T measurement field with pre-polarization at 40 mT. It is shown how the use of seven channels increases imaging field of view and improves signal-to-noise ratio for the hand images. A simple procedure for approximate correction of concomitant gradient artifacts is described. Noise propagation is analyzed experimentally, and the main source of correlated noise is identified. Accelerated imaging based on one-dimensional undersampling and 1D SENSE (sensitivity encoding) image reconstruction is studied in the case of the 2D phantom. Actual threefold imaging acceleration in comparison to single-average fully encoded Fourier imaging is demonstrated. These results show that parallel imaging methods are efficient in ULF MRI, and that imaging performance of SQUID-based instruments improves substantially as the number of channels is increased.

SQUID-based instrumentation for ultralow-field MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging at ultralow fields (ULF MRI) is a promising new imaging method that uses SQUID sensors to measure the spatially encoded precession of pre-polarized nuclear spin populations at a microtesla-range measurement field. In this work, a seven-channel SQUID system designed for simultaneous 3D ULF MRI and magnetoencephalography (MEG) is described. The system includes seven second-order SQUID gradiometers characterized by magnetic field resolutions of 1.2–2.8 fT Hz−1/2. It is also equipped with five sets of coils for 3D Fourier imaging with pre-polarization. Essential technical details of the design are discussed. The systems ULF MRI performance is demonstrated by multi-channel 3D images of a preserved sheep brain acquired at 46 µT measurement field with pre-polarization at 40 mT. The imaging resolution is 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm × 5 mm. The ULF MRI images are compared to images of the same brain acquired using conventional high-field MRI. Different ways to improve imaging SNR are discussed.

MRI with an atomic magnetometer suitable for practical imaging applications

Conventionally implemented MRI is performed in a strong magnetic field, typically >1T. The high fields, however, can lead to many limitations. To overcome these limitations, ultra-low field (ULF) [or microtesla] MRI systems have been proposed and implemented. To-date such systems rely on low-Tc Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) leading to the requirement of cryogens. In this letter, we report ULF-MRI obtained with a non-cryogenic atomic magnetometer. This demonstration creates opportunities for developing inexpensive and widely applicable MRI scanners.

Ultra-low-field MRI for the detection of liquid explosives

Recently it has become both possible and practical to perform MR at magnetic fields from µT to mT, the so-called ultra-low field (ULF) regime. SQUID sensor technology allows for ultra-sensitive detection while pulsed pre-polarizing fields greatly enhance signal. The instrumentation allows for unprecedented flexibility in signal acquisition sequences and simplified MRI instrumentation. Here we present the results for a new application of ULF MRI and relaxometry for the detection and characterization of liquids. We briefly describe the motivation and advantages of the ULF MR approach. We then present recent results from a 7- channel ULF MRI/relaxometer system constructed to non-invasively inspect liquids at a security check-point for the presence of hazardous material. The instrument was fielded to the Albuquerque International Airport in December, 2008, and results from that endeavor are also presented.

Co-Registration of Interleaved MEG and ULF MRI Using a 7 Channel Low-

In this paper we report the first co-registered, interleaved measurements of ultra-low field (ULF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). Interleaved measurements are interesting for the ultimate aim of combining MEG and functional MRI at ULF. The measurement system consisted of 7 channels with second-order gradiometers coupled to low transition-temperature superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). The ULF MRI was acquired at a measurement field of 94 μT after a pre-polarization in a 30 mT field. Our results show that the two modalities can be performed with interleaved measurements. However, due to transients from the walls of the magnetically shielded room a waiting time of more than 3 s had to be introduced between the MRI protocol and the auditory stimulus for the MEG.

T_{\rm c}

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at ultra-low magnetic fields (ULF, fields of /spl sim//spl mu/T) have several advantages over their counterparts at higher magnetic fields. These include narrow line widths, the possibility of novel imaging schemes such as T/sub 1/ weighted images, and reduced system cost and complexity. In addition, ULF NMR/MRI with superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) is compatible with simultaneous measurements of biomagnetic signals, a capability conventional systems cannot offer. SQUID-based ULF MRI has already been demonstrated, as have measurements of simultaneous MEG and NMR at ULF. In this paper we will show simultaneous magnetocardiography (MCG) and magnetomyography (MMG) with NMR are also possible. Another compelling application of NMR/MRI at ULF is the possibility of directly measuring magnetic resonance consequences of neuronal signals. In this paper we explore simultaneous MMG/NMR and MCG/NMR for an effect on the NMR signal, in T/sub 2//sup */, that might be associated with the effects of bioelectric currents.

SQUID System

A seven-channel system capable of performing both magnetoencephalography (MEG) and ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF MRI) is described. The system consists of seven second-order SQUID gradiometers with 37 mm diameter and 60 mm baseline, having magnetic field resolution of 1.2-2.8 fT/radicHz . It also includes four sets of coils for 2D Fourier imaging with pre-polarization. The systems MEG performance was demonstrated by measurements of auditory evoked response. The system was also used to obtain a multi-channel 2D image of a whole human hand at the measurement field of 46 microtesla with 3 by 3 mm resolution.