Feasibility of diffusion-weighted and magnetization transfer imaging of the tibial nerve in vivo using 7 Tesla: a pilot reproducibility study

Motivation: Quantitative and semi-quantitative magnetic resonance imaging investigations of the peripheral nerves in vivo using 7 Tesla are currently limited. Goal(s): To obtain standard diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in the healthy tibial nerve in vivo and to assess the reproducibility of these measures. Approach: Reproducibility was assessed through repeated measurements (scan-rescan) and calculation of the coefficient of variation between measurements. Results: The reproducibility assessment results are presented along with normative DTI and MTR measures in the tibial nerve, which can serve as reference in future studies of pathological conditions affecting the lower peripheral nerves. Impact: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging to assess the healthy tibial nerve in vivo using diffusion-weighted and magnetization transfer imaging, opening up the possibilities to investigate lower peripheral neuropathies with higher spatial resolution.