Two-point dixon technique provides robust fat suppression for multi-mouse imaging

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether Dixon-based fat separation techniques can provide more robust removal of lipid signals from multiple-mouse magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-acquired images than conventional frequency selective chemical saturation techniques. Materials and Methods: A two-point Dixon technique was implemented using a RARE-based pulse sequence and techniques for multivolume fat suppression were evaluated using a 4-element array of volume resonators at 4.7 T. Images were acquired of both phantoms and mice. Results: Fat saturation was achieved on all four channels of the multiple mouse acquisition with the Dixon technique, while failures of fat saturation were found with chemical saturation techniques. Conclusion: This proof of concept study found that Dixon fat separation provided more reliable and homogenous fat suppression than chemical saturation in phantoms and in vivo. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.