A high-resolution MT-weighted Zero Time Echo sequence for 7T - initial experience with healthy volunteers and Multiple Sclerosis patients

Motivation: MT-weighted imaging is important for detecting and diagnosing neuro-degenerative disorders. At 7T, high RF power deposition is challenging for MT-weighted sequences and often limits imaging performance. Goal(s): We demonstrate a high-resolution, MT-weighted, Zero Time Echo (ZTE) sequence which can produce whole-brain images at clinically useful levels of RF power deposition. Approach: We demonstrate an MT-weighted ZTE sequence for 7T and use it to scan healthy volunteers and subjects with Multiple SclerosisResults: Whole-brain MT-weighted ZTE images of high quality and 0.8mm isotropic imaging were produced with clinically useful SAR levels. Impact: High-resolution MT-weighted ZTE images could provide important novel information for neurologists and psychiatrists.