Imaging single mammalian cells with a 1.5 T clinical MRI scanner

Abstract

In the present work, we demonstrate that the steady‐state free precession (SSFP) imaging pulse sequence FIESTA (fast imaging employing steady state acquisition) used in conjunction with a custom‐built insertable gradient coil and customized RF coils can be used to detect individual SPIO‐labeled cells using a commonly available 1.5 T clinical MRI scanner. This work provides the first evidence that single‐cell tracking will be possible using clinical MRI scanners, opening up new possibilities for cell tracking and monitoring of cellular therapeutics in vivo in humans. Magn Reson Med 49:968–971, 2003.