Correlation Tensor MRI of the Mouse Brain at 3 Tesla

Motivation: Correlation Tensor MRI (CTI) is a novel diffusion MRI technique that captures unique microstructural properties without relying on conventional tissue assumptions. However, its initial development on high-field preclinical scanners limits the direct translatability of preclinical findings to the clinical field-strengths used in human systems, and thus, to patient applications. Goal(s): To evaluate CTI's feasibility on a 3T preclinical scanner. Approach: CTI was implemented on a 3T preclinical scanner and tested on in vitro water phantoms, as well as in ex vivo and in vivo mouse brain imaging. Results: CTI demonstrated reliability on the 3T preclinical scanner, delivering results consistent with prior high-field measurements. Impact: This study reports the first implementation of Correlation Tensor MRI (CTI) on a 3T preclinical MRI scanner. This could facilitate the translation of CTI's microstructural insights in animal models of human disease to clinical applications in patients.