Open-Bore Hybrid MPI-MRI Scanner: A Proof-of-Concept Simulation Study

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a novel technique that images background-free spatial distribution of magnetic nanoparticles inside the body. The lack of signal from the background tissue provides high sensitivity to MPI. However, anatomical information is also required in many applications. Here, we present an open-bore hybrid preclinical MPI-MRI system, in which the coils can be utilized interchangeably between MPI and MRI data acquisitions. We analyze the imaging performance for both modalities using a simulation model based on our in-house prototype MPI system that can generate 0.5 T/m selection field gradients for MPI and 50 mT B0 for low-field MRI.