Julien Vautier1,2, Melanie Heilmann3, Christine Walczak1,2, Jol Mispelter1,2, Andreas Volk1,2
1U759, INSERM, Orsay, France; 2Research Center, Institut Curie, Orsay, France; 3Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, University Medicine, Mannheim, Germany
Preclinical dynamic MRI to characterize microvasculature in tumor models is typically performed with gradient- or spin-echo sequences and Cartesian k-space sampling which is not optimal for tumors subjected to respiratory motion. Radial k-space sampling, rather insensitive to motion, should be more appropriate. In this study, we have developed and validated a 3D radial multi gradient echo sequence. It allows for simultaneous measurement of T1 and T2* upon contrast agent administration at 1min30 time resolution. A first in vivo study comparing 3D Ktrans maps for two contrast agents of different molecular weights was performed on motion animated subcutaneous tumors in mice.