Electron paramagnetic resonance: a powerful tool to support magnetic resonance imaging research

The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the areas where electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has provided unique information to MRI developments. The field of application mainly encompasses the EPR characterization of MRI paramagnetic contrast agents (gadolinium and manganese chelates, nitroxides) and superparamagnetic agents (iron oxide particles). The combined use of MRI and EPR has also been used to qualify or disqualify sources of contrast in MRI. Illustrative examples are presented with attempts to qualify oxygen sensitive contrast (i.e. T1‐ and T2*‐based methods), redox status or melanin content in tissues. Other areas are likely to benefit from the combined EPR/MRI approach, namely cell tracking studies. Finally, the combination of EPR and MRI studies on the same models provides invaluable data regarding tissue oxygenation, hemodynamics and energetics. Our description will be illustrative rather than exhaustive to give to the readers a flavour of ‘what EPR can do for MRI’. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has an outstanding potential to support the development of MRI‐related techniques. EPR applications include MRI contrast agent characterization, cell tracking studies and in vivo determination of tissue redox and oxygenation status.

Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - September 1, 2014 Category: Radiology Authors: Pierre Danhier, Bernard Gallez Tags: Review Source Type: research