3T, Cryogen-Free MRI/PET and 3T MRI/SPECT Developed for Research Applications

Combined 3T, cryogen-free magnetic resonance imaging/positron emission tomography (MRI/PET) and a 3T MRI/single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technology has been developed for multimodality imaging applications for researchers.

MR Solutions (Guilford, Surrey, UK), a developer of preclinical scanning technology, launched the first combined cryogen-free, 3T, MRI/PET and the first 3T, MRI/SPECT scanners at the World Molecular Imaging Conference (WMIC) in Savannah, GA, USA, September 18–21, 2013.

Dr. David Taylor, CEO of MR Solutions, commented, “The combination of high-resolution PET or SPECT with high-performance cryogen-free MRI will provide significant benefits both for academia and pharma. These systems offer researchers for the first time simultaneous multimodality imaging hitherto not commercially available. It is yet another development in our plan to provide the best quality images and functional data in a way that makes it quicker and easier for scientists to work with animals.”

To provide the SPECT images MR Solutions has devised a system where the three gamma camera heads and focusing collimator can be easily clipped on to the front of the bore of the MRI scanner to provide cutting-edge 3D SPECT images. The SPECT images can be registered with the MRI images, providing anatomic-functional combined capability. Moreover, the SPECT gamma camera can be used independently.

The PET capability is provided by new solid-state detectors and ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) technology, which is integrated in the bore of the MRI scanner. The scanner combines the exquisite structural and functional characterization of tissue provided by MRI with the extreme sensitivity of PET imaging for metabolism and tracking of uniquely labeled cell types or cell receptors. This is especially helpful in cardiology, oncology, and neurology research.

MR Solutions’ range of cryogen-free, benchtop, 3T MRI scanners (16-, 31-, and 72-cm bores), which were only launched at the beginning of 2013, has been a transformative in the field of preclinical scanning. The new technology not only provides excellent soft tissue contrast and high spatial resolution, a vastly reduced stray magnetic field and all the benefits that brings but also allows the magnetic field strength to be easily varied.

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