Evaluating Effects of Imaging Parameters on Single Cell Detection in Molecular MRI via Simulation

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of MR acquisition methods for molecular imaging, we extended a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) simulator. This simulator is capable of complete modeling of object (tissue) in microscopic level to study the effect of spatial distribution and concentration of nanoparticles. Using this tool we studied gradient-echo (GE), and True-FISP pulse sequences. In terms of detection sensitivity, GE and True-FISP detected individual labeled cells in 9.4 T MRI. We then conducted a systematic study in order to determine the optimal parameters for GE and True-FISP pulse sequences (echo time, repetition time, iron mass per cell, and image resolution). This simulation study provides a basis for planning experiments aimed at single cell detection with GE and True-FISP sequences.