Protocol Number: 03-N-0142

Title:

Development of 7 Tesla MRI Methodology for Anatomical Functional and Spectroscopic Imaging of the Brain

Number:

03-N-0142

Summary:

This study will develop new techniques for optimizing resolution in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a high magnetic field of 7 Tesla. MRI is a diagnostic tool that generates high-quality images of the body without the use of x-rays. It can also provide information about brain chemistry and physiology. The test is routinely done at magnetic field strengths of from 1.5 to 4 Tesla. This study will use an investigational device that operates at a high magnetic field of 7 Tesla. Except for the increase in magnetic field, all other aspects of imaging are the same as those at lower magnetic fields. This study will use techniques in conjunction with the higher magnetic field that may improve diagnostic imaging. The MRI will monitor the brain at high resolution to see structural features, to measure brain chemicals, and to determine how much and how fast blood flows into brain regions in response to simple tasks.

Healthy normal volunteers 18 years of age and older may participate in this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history, neurological examination, and questionnaire.

Participants will have a standard 1.5 or 3 Tesla MRI before the 7 Tesla scan, adding about 5 minutes to the procedure. The procedure for both scans is the same. The subject lies on a table that is moved into the scanner. Because the machine makes loud sounds during the imaging, earplugs are provided to help reduce the noise. An insulated wire coil may be placed around the subject's head to obtain better images. Scanning time varies from 20 minutes to 3 hours, with most examinations lasting between 45 and 90 minutes. During the scan, the subject may be asked to perform simple tasks, such as listening to tones, tapping fingers, moving a hand, watching a movie on a screen, or smelling pleasant odors. More complex tasks may require thinking about tones or pictures and responding to them by pressing buttons. Following the test, subjects will complete a brief questionnaire about comfort level and any unusual sensations they may have experienced during the test.

Participants who undergo repeated MRIs for the evaluation of new techniques will have a standard 1.5 or 3 Tesla MRI brain study once a year while participating in the research protocol. A radiologist at NIH will read the MRIs, and if any abnormalities are discovered, the individual will be referred to his or her private physician or to a consult service at NIH.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Only neurologically and psychiatrically normal, male or female, healthy volunteers over 18 years old will be used in these studies. Subjects must be capable of understanding the procedures and requirements of this study. Subjects must be willing to sign an informed consent document.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

A subject will be excluded if he/she has a contraindication to MR scanning such as the following: pregnancy, aneurysm clip; implanted neural stimulator; implanted cardiac pacemaker or auto-defibrillator; cochlear implant; ocular foreign body (e.g. metal shavings or insulin pump), dental work such as crowns or bridges with indeterminate metals, pre-existing eye conditions, and any pre-existing hearing problems. Subjects who underwent brain surgery, who have a neurological lesion, a psychiatric history or a history of migraine will also be excluded from this study. The contraindications for MRI at 7T are identical to those at 1.5T and 3T.

Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Functional Imaging

Cerebral Blood Flow

Parallel Imaging

BOLD Effect

Spectroscopic Imaging

Recruitment Keywords:

Healthy Volunteer

HV

Conditions:

Healthy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Contacts:

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citations:

Robitaille PM. Human magnetic resonance imaging at 8 T. NMR Biomed. 1998 Oct;11(6):263-5. PMID: 9802467

Abduljalil AM. Acquisition of human multislice MR images at 8 Tesla. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1999 May-Jun;23(3):335-40. PMID: 10348433

Burgess RE. High signal-to-noise FLASH imaging at 8 Tesla. Magn Reson Imaging. 1999 Oct;17(8):1099-103. PMID: 10499671

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
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Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center (CC)
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Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 10/16/2004