Monitoring mouse brain perfusion with hybrid magnetic resonance optoacoustic tomography

Progress in brain research critically depends on the development of next-generation multi-modal imaging tools capable of capturing transient functional events and multiplexed contrasts noninvasively and concurrently, thus enabling a holistic view of dynamic events in vivo. Here we report on a hybrid magnetic resonance and optoacoustic tomography (MROT) system for murine brain imaging, which incorporates an MR-compatible spherical matrix array transducer and fiber-based light illumination into a 9.4 T small animal scanner. An optimized radiofrequency coil has further been devised for whole-brain interrogation. System's utility is showcased by acquiring complementary angiographic and soft tissue anatomical contrast along with simultaneous dual-modality visualization of contrast agent dynamics in vivo.(c) 2023 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

Progress in brain research relies on next-generation multi-modal imaging tools capable of capturing transient functional events and multiplexed contrasts noninvasively. This study presents a hybrid magnetic resonance and optoacoustic tomography system for murine brain imaging, enabling simultaneous dual-modality visualization of contrast agent dynamics. The system combines MR-compatible spherical matrix array transducer, fiber-based light illumination, and an optimized radiofrequency coil for whole-brain interrogation.