Neuromelanin Imaging at 0.5T Reveals Elongated T1 in Neuromelanin-Rich Brain Regions In Vivo

Mid-field imaging benefits from increased T1 tissue differentiation and reduced SAR constraints for generating MT contrast. These were leveraged in imaging of neuromelanin containing structures at 0.5T. Elevated T1 values in the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus were demonstrated. Contrary to T1-weighted approaches reported in the literature a proton density weighted fast spin echo approach is shown to provide improved visualization at mid-field and implies modified strategies at higher field would be beneficial.