Analysis of QSM and PDFF Maps in an Animal Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Motivation: Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) could serve as a useful tool in evaluating Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to the unique susceptibility characteristics of muscle and dystrophic calcifications in animal models. Goal(s): The goal of this work is to identify magnetic susceptibility biomarkers in the golden retriever muscular dystrophy model. Approach: 2D GRE images of animal subjects were acquired, which were used to obtain proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and susceptibility maps. Results: Calcifications were not identified in muscle. A significant susceptibility difference was measured between muscles (regardless of PDFF) and fat. Significant susceptibility differences were not measured between high and low PDFF muscles. Impact: QSM has the potential to identify novel biomarkers in musculoskeletal disorders, and further protocol development is needed to ensure reliable results for in vivo studies.