ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a number of practical considerations regarding sample preparation and perfusion system design which should be followed in order to ensure good quality MRM images. It is well known that chemical fixation alters tissue characteristics and causes shrinkage. The aldehyde fixatives mentioned previously can significantly and differentially impact several MR parameters. MR imaging of live specimens brings in interesting opportunities and, at the same time, presents new technical challenges. Diffusion-weighted MR signals are also affected by the fixation process. Live tissue imaging requires the development of dedicated perfusion chambers capable of maintaining its viability and compatible with the strict spatial and material constraints imposed by the high magnetic fields used. MRM perfusion system was designed for imaging with a surface coil in a horizontal bore magnet but it can be adapted for vertical magnets and for different coil geometries. More sophisticated designs allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple samples have been also proposed.
