High-resolution in vivo MR imaging of the human spinal cord at 7 Tesla

[Introduction] MR imaging of spinal cord is an important component of diagnostic work-up in some diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In MS, the spinal cord is frequently involved and often in combination with lesions in the brain. In some MS cases, lesions have been found to involve only the spinal cord, particularly in the cervical spinal cord. Compared to brain imaging, spinal imaging is more challenging because of the regional complex structures of the spine and intrinsic cord motion [1]. MR evaluation of the spinal cord has also lagged behind imaging of the brain, in part due to limitations of surface coils and imaging techniques [2]. Recent technical advances in MR imaging may facilitate not only the accurate detection but also the characterization of spinal cord lesions by location and imaging features. In particular, ultra-high-field MR imaging provides high SNR that improves visualization of spinal cord with high-resolution and enhanced tissue contrast. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of high-resolution in vivo 7 T MR imaging of human spinal cord using a newly developed surface RF coil and imaging techniques.