In-vivo Magnetization Transfer neuroimaging at 46 mT

Motivation: Here, we exploited the Low SAR in low-field MRI to study magnetization transfer (MT) , and potential to enhance brain tissue contrast, in particular between white and gray matter (challenging at low-field). Goal(s): The study aimed to identify suitable MT settings and explore MT contrast in-vivo at 46 mT. Approach: MT settings were optimized to minimize direct saturation and maximize MT contrast. With this setup, we scanned five volunteers at 46 mT and acquired additional 3T scans for two participantsResults: Optimal MT settings were defined in the phantom and in-vivo scans demonstrated the expected MT effects, and improved tissue contrast at 46 mT. Impact: Magnetization transfer could be achieved off-resonance in-vivo at low-field MRI. It improves brain tissue contrast, in particular between white matter and gray matter, and has minimal direct saturation.