John Grinstead1, Seymur Gahramanov2, Csanad Varallyay2, Vladimir Jellus3, Edward A. Neuwelt2, William D. Rooney4
1Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Portland, OR, USA; 2Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; 3Siemens AG Healthcare Sector, Erlangen, Germany; 4Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) relies on susceptibility effects which increase with the magnetic field strength. The recent availability of Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron-Oxide contrast agents (FeO) may increase the sensitivity of SWI. The combination of SWI and FeO contrast agents were studied in brain tumors at 3T and 7T. Extremely small blood vessels were visible following FeO injection. The increased magnetic susceptibility effects, high SNR, and low specific absorption rate (SAR) make SWI an attractive technique at 7T, especially in combination with FeO contrast agents.