Abstract #2232

Multi-Parametric Stroke Imaging Protocol for Mice Using a 1H Cryo Probe at 9.4 T

Patrick Michael Heiler¹, Friederike Lara Vollmar², Melanie Heilmann¹, Andreas Lemke¹, Stephen Meairs², Marc Fatar², Lothar Rudi Schad¹

¹Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; ²Experimental Neurology, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany

The investigation of rt-PA therapy after MCAo in mice by means of MRI requires adequate resolution for the brain size of about 1 x 1 cm, in measurement times acceptable for follow-up studies. We present a protocol including t2-weighted imaging, diffusion weighted imaging and a TOF angiography using a 1H surface cryo coil at 9.4T. The results demonstrate that rt-PA therapy leads to reperfusion of the MCA and significantly reduces the extension of ischemia. The short measurement time makes the protocol suitable for both, detection of the MCAo success immediately after the surgery and temporal evolution studies after rt-PA therapy.