# Improved imaging of deep brain nuclei with 7 Tesla MRI using comprehensive magnetic field monitoring

> **NIH NIH R00** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2020 · $248,854

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract:
Networks of small nuclei in the meso and diencephalon (thalamus, hypothalamus, brainstem, etc.) and
their connections to the cortex are critical to understanding consciousness and the onset of sedation during
anesthesia. Yet despite their importance for daily survival, the functional connections among nuclei and
between nuclei and cortex remain poorly understood. Ultra high field MRI at or above 7 Tesla (7T) provides
several benefits for studying deep brain nuclei in humans, including improved image Signal to Noise Ratio
(SNR) and improved contrast (CNR) for susceptibility based structural (SWI) and functional (BOLD) imaging as
well as greater T1-dispersion. In addition to problems stemming from their small size, the study of nuclei at 7T
is impeded by both static and dynamic variations in the background magnet field (B0) at these locations.
These B0 variations cause image artifacts such as ghosting, signals voids, blurring, and geometric distortion.
ΔB0
order and cannot compensate dynamic ΔB0. In the current project, we propose a comprehensive field
Innovation: Standard B0 shim coils on commercial MRI scanners can only compensate static
up to 2nd
monitoring and control system to null high spatial order static and dynamic field variations at 7T. The system
will use integrated RF-shim coil elements for maximum shimming and RF efficiency, NMR field probes for field
monitoring, and feedback control for real-time shim updating. We are the first to combine these
technologies in a unified system capable of largely overcoming the obstacle of ΔB0 in 7T MR imaging.
Validation: We use the proposed system to (a.) reduce the standard deviation of B0 inhomogeneity on a
slice-optimized basis over the whole brain; (b.) stabilize the phase of EPI time-series data; (c.) mitigate
ghosting in multi-shot EPI; (d.) image and identify known functional networks between the brainstem and
cortex in single subjects; and (e.) test a hypothesis based on animal models about the action of the anesthetic
dexmedotomidine on a brainstem circuit involving three specific nuclei. Clinical benefit: By providing a new
tool for studying the activity of brainstem nuclei during sedation, this project paves the way for future efforts to
improve our understanding of neural circuits, develop safer site-specific anesthetic drugs, and potentially
reduce post-operative delirium and cognitive impairment.
 Training: I am fortunate to be a part of the exceptionally rich neuroimaging environment at the MGH
Martinos Center, one of the premier environments in the world for developing and validating the proposed field
control technology. My K99/R00 proposal is designed to help me pivot from a MRI physicist into an
independent investigator with enough background in neurobiology to ask clinically significant questions
involving deep brain circuits and then develop targeted high-field MRI technology to answer them. To this end,
I will require additional training, coursework, a...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9981738
- **Project number:** 5R00EB021349-05
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Jason P Stockmann
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $248,854
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-15 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9981738

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9981738, Improved imaging of deep brain nuclei with 7 Tesla MRI using comprehensive magnetic field monitoring (5R00EB021349-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-03 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9981738. Licensed CC0.

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