First 3D dual modality phantom measurements of a hybrid MPI-MRI system using a resistive 12 channel MPI-MRI magnet design

Despite the capability of Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) systems [1] to measure spatial distributions of superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) tracer particles quantitatively with very high temporal resolution, MPI data lack morphological and functional information. To compensate for this, in 2013 combinations of MPI and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were proposed as preclinical hybrid MPI-MRI system with integrated dual-operation magnet coils [2] [3]. An alternative approach uses an Travelling Wave MPI insert for a stand-alone pre-polarized low field MRI system [4]. Image fusion of morphological/functional MRI data with complementary MPI data facilitates distinct insight in the pathways and distribution of the administered SPIOs. Hybrid data fusion with high spatial confidence is a basic prerequisite for accurate analysis of in vivo studies. This precision can be achieved optimally only with a hybrid scanner approach featuring integrated dual-operation magnet coils which omits any subject repositioning between MPI and MRI scans.