Abstract #0962

Butman J, Liu W, Schaeffter T

Positive contrast mechanisms have been proposed to improve contrast and specificity in susceptibility weighted imaging. In this in vivo study, we investigated the use of gradient rephasing positive contrast technique for the detection of susceptibility induced signal loss arising from calcium deposition in the normal human brain. We have demonstrated that the gradient rephasing technique could provide adequate positive contrast for the detection of calcium deposition. To improve the conspicuity of calcifications, hemorrhage, or other susceptibility inducing lesions, methods of vascular and CSF suppression need to be incorporated into the positive contrast sequence.