In Vivo Triple-Quantum (TQ) Sodium MRI on the Human Brain: SNR Benefits at 7T

Yongxian Qian¹, Fernando E. Boada¹

Triple quantum (TQ) sodium imaging is an effective means decreasing the contribution from the intracellular and fluid spaces to the sodium (23Na) signal. The sodium TQ signal is, however, much weaker than the single quantum (SQ, or total tissue) signal (~1/10). In this study, we evaluate the SNR performance of TQ sodium MRI of the human brain at both 7T and 3T. Our results demonstrate that the theoretical SNR gains of 7T have tremendous benefits for TQ sodium MRI.