Using solid-state MRI and a double-tuned RF coil to quantify bone matrix and mineral densities in rat bones

Quantitative information on the composition of bone, specifically the content of calcium phosphate mineral and organic matrix, is essential for accurate diagnosis of metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and renal osteodystrophy, as well as for differentiating among these conditions. Conventional MRI fails to provide this information because these substances are solid and, therefore, yield no signal in conventional MRI scans, which typically employ spin or gradient echoes. In this report, we show how phosphorus and proton solid-state MRI yield the desired compositional information in bone specimens with ZTE and WASPI pulse sequences, respectively, coupled with the use of a two-port double-tuned solenoidal RF coil.

Electrical network simulations and construction details of the RF coil are detailed. Electrical performance was simulated using QUCS software to find the circuit component values that minimize reflected power and maximize interport isolation. Phantoms of known composition, as well as ex vivo femurs from normal, low bone density, and vitamin D-deficient rats, were included in the study. A simple correction for B₁ inhomogeneity was applied to achieve quantitative accuracy in the image intensity values.

Bone matrix and mineral densities derived from MRI strongly correlated (R² = 0.84) with chemical analysis, demonstrating the ability to measure compositional differences relevant to osteoporosis and osteomalacia.