In vivo double quantum filtered sodium magnetic resonance imaging of human brain

PURPOSE: Sodium signal from ordered environments can be selectively detected using a double-quantum magic angle (DQ-MA) sequence. This study presents the first DQ-MA sodium images of the human brain and evaluates the effect of preparation time (τ) on the signal. THEORY AND METHODS: Three phantoms of saline, agar gel, and xanthan gum were used to test the correct functioning of the DQ-MA sequence. Five healthy volunteers were imaged using DQ-MA with varying τ to determine the optimal preparation time. DQ-MA images were acquired with 1 or 2 averages and nominal resolution of 15 mm isotropic in 3.5 or 7 min, respectively. In addition, higher nominal resolution (8.4 mm isotropic) DQ-MA images were acquired from another subject in 48 min. Post hoc simulations were performed to explain the effect of τ on imaging results. RESULTS: The DQ-MA sequence generates signal from only the xanthan gum phantom, correctly suppressing signal from environments in which the time-averaged quadrupolar interaction is expected to be zero (saline, agar). This sequence generates signal throughout the brain with maximum detection when τ=3 ms. CONCLUSION: The existence of DQ-MA signal in the human brain indicates the presence of sodium nuclei in ordered environments and provides a novel contrast mechanism.