Comparison of high resolution ex vivo multi gradient echo sequences at 7T and 11.7T for amyloid load quantification in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model

The gold standard to quantify amyloid load in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease is histology. Despite being really reliable, this technique is destructive and still mainly 2D. Here we optimized a full 3D ex vivo protocol to image whole brain of Alzheimer’s disease mouse model. A high resolution Multi Gradient Echo sequence evidences the shortening of T₂* caused by the iron content of amyloid plaques. Plaque detection capabilities were compared between 7T and 11.7T acquisitions for similar scan duration. Unlike the 7T protocol, the 11.7T setup clearly allows amyloid plaque detection and quantification.