Abstract #3320

Quantitative Magnetization Transfer of the Human Locus Coeruleus

Paula Trujillo¹, Kalen J. Petersen¹, Seth A. Smith^2,3,4, and Daniel O. Claassen¹

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

The locus coeruleus (LC) is the major source of norepinephrine in the brain and it is affected in several neurodegenerative disorders. We used quantitative magnetization transfer (MT) imaging to create parametric maps of the macromolecular content of the LC and neighboring tissues. We found that the macromolecular content was lower in the LC compared to the surrounding pontine tegmentum, suggesting that LC contrast is related to MT effects.

This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.

Join Here