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

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.