Motivation: A reliable standardized 7T qMRI protocol for cervical spinal cord (c-SC) is essential for enabling consistent data collection across multiple centers and maximizing the impact of collaborative studies. Goal(s): To provide reliable multiparametric MRI (qT1,T2*-CSA,DTI) sensitive to microstructural SC tissue for wider use in 7T multicenter studies. Approach: Three volunteers were scanned across six 7T MR centers equipped with c-SC RF-coils. Repeatability across centers was evaluated. Results: The protocol was executed successfully in all centers. WM-COV of qT1 and T2*-CSA was <4.6% and <3.7%, respectively. This work represents an important step towards the adoption of 7T SC MRI protocols. Impact: Our multiparametric qMRI protocol for 7T spinal cord imaging can enable multicenter clinical studies and provide guidance for new investigators, ultimately advancing diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for spinal cord diseases while deepening our understanding of neurodegenerative changes.
Callot et al. (Tue,) studied this question.