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Abstract #3370

Characterization of the optic nerve in-vivo using high-resolution APT-CEST

Alex K. Smith 1,2 , Lindsey M. Dethrage 2,3 , Samantha By 1,2 , Siddharama Pawate 4 , and Seth A. Smith 2,3

1 Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States, 2 Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States, 3 Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States, 4 Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States

Visual dysfunction is a hallmark of MS and may arise from damage to components of the visual system, such as the optic nerve (ON). Understanding the changes that accompany this damage may offer a biomarker for MS. We implemented an APT-CEST protocol to characterize amide content in healthy ON tissue. Nine controls were imaged at 3T and the data fit to a model of the direct-water-saturation curve. The mean %AUC values in each ON were found to be 1.741%(L) and 1.631%(R). These findings suggest CEST can be accurately quantified in healthy ON and may provide a biomarker for MS prognosis.

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