Effect of protein concentration on MRI quantitative values: Comparison between 7T MRI and 11.7T MRI.

Motivation: Studies investigating the brain clearance system using T2 measurements have already begun; however, the dependence of T2 values on protein concentration, which is the basis of this study, is still unknown. Goal(s): This study aimed to clarify the effect of protein concentration in the solution on each MRI quantitative value. Approach: Each MRI quantification value was calculated by imaging an albumin phantom with varying protein concentrations, solution temperatures, and magnetic field intensities. Results: The T2 value was the most sensitive to changes in albumin concentration, suggesting that the T2 value is capable of estimating the solute concentration in the brain. Impact: The effect of protein concentration on each quantitative MRI value was determined. The results showed that T2 most acutely captured changes in albumin concentration. A more detailed T2 analysis revealed the possibility of estimating solute concentration in the brain.