Longitudinal Relaxivities of MRI Contrast Agents on an Ultra Low Field, Point-of-Care MRI System

Motivation: Point-of-care MRI systems have the potential to increase access to imaging. Contrast agents could enhance tissue differentiation at the ultra-low fields of these devices. Goal(s): To characterize the performance of Gadolinium contrast agents on an FDA cleared, point-of-care MRI system to inform sequence optimization for in vivo imaging. Approach: Longitudinal relaxivities of six FDA approved gadolinium contrast agents were characterized at 64 mT on a point-of-care MRI device and used to optimize T1 imaging of white matter and CSF. Results: Longitudinal relaxivities increased at 64 mT compared to their 3 T values. Simulations showed enhancement could be well visualized within feasible sequence parameters. Impact: Point-of-care MRI systems have the potential to impact patient care by increasing access to imaging. This work explores the feasibility of contrast-enhanced imaging with FDA-approved agents at ultra-low field on a point-of-care MRI.