Imaging Facilities
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
For magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we are equipped with two whole-body scanners: a 7T Siemens MAGNETOM Terra and a 3T Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma. Several coil configurations are available, adapted to the study of various organs.
For brain imaging, the 7T Terra is equipped with single-transmit (sTx, 1-Tx/32-Rx) and parallel transmit (pTX, 8-Tx/32-Rx) 32-channel receive RF coils by NovaMedical, while the 3T Prisma is equipped with 20-channel and 64-channel receiver head-neck coils. All these coils allow advanced parallel and simultaneous-multislice / multiband accelerated acquisitions.
The platform features the SKOPE field camera system, enhancing 7T MRI examinations by measuring real-time magnetic field variations over the subject’s head. This system allows to correct at reconstruction spatial encoding imperfections, effects induced by physiological fluctuations such as respiration, minimizing image artifacts.
Additionally, our platform is equipped with a BrainAmp MR (plus) system, a gold-standard tool for simultaneous EEG-MRI recordings. The equipment includes BrainCapMR7flex caps and the software package to handle scanner-related artefacts in the Brain Analyser environment.
Both MRI scanners are research-dedicated. Over years of activity, our platform has developed extensive experience for brain applications, either structural or functional. Standard brain characterisation protocols include task-related and resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) with synchronized recording of heartbeat and respiratory parameters, high-resolution T1-weighted and T2-weighted anatomical imaging, quantitative multiparameter mapping to assess brain microstructure, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) capabilities. 1H-spectroscopic assessment with localised spectroscopy (MRS), chemical shift / spectroscopic imaging (CSI / MRSI) or Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) approaches are commonly practiced.
We are also expanding our imaging capabilities to cover other organs, such as knee and spinal cord. At 7T, we also explore heteronuclear applications, where nuclei like 19F, 13C, 23Na or 31P, less sensitive than protons, become more favorably characterised thanks to the enhanced signal-to-noise ratio associated with higher magnetic field strength. Suitable RF coils for all these newer applications are available and we invite anyone interested in such applications, or original ones, to contact our platform directly for further information.
The MRI facilities are fully equipped for functional MRI studies, including auditory stimulus equipment (Serene Sound Audio System, Resonance Technology, Inc.), visual stimulus equipment (Sanyo/Panasonic PT-EX510LEJ video projector), response devices (Current Design), a long-range infrared eye-tracking device (EyeLink 1000 Plus, SR Research), and respiratory and cardiac monitoring devices (Siemens).
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for acquisitions are up to date. Maintenance and accuracy checks are performed every three months by Siemens-qualified engineers.
PET Imaging
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging allows to estimate the regional uptake of radiotracers sensitive to various molecules, including glucose, amyloid beta, hyperphosphorylated tau protein, dopamine, and synaptic vesicle protein 2A. Clinical PET imaging is conducted through us using the state-of-the-art equipment at the Nuclear Medicine Service of the CHU de Liège. The CHU PET scanner is a highly advanced imaging device that provides detailed and accurate images, supporting both clinical and research needs. For more information, please visit the [Nuclear Medicine Service website].
Our platform also offers PET preclinical imaging for large animals. We are equipped with a Siemens ECAT HR+ camera dedicated solely to large animal research, ensuring high-quality imaging and precise data collection. For small animal imaging, services are available at the animal facility platform. For more information, please visit the preclinical platform [GIGA-Animal Facility].
Location
The MRI scanners are located at the B30 building.
Access
The platform is open to all researchers from public and private institutions, as well as for specific research trials from industry. To access the facility, training is mandatory and is provided at two levels: (1) authorization to access the facility and (2) qualification to operate the scanner and related equipment. An authorized user can access the facility and acquire data under the supervision of a qualified user. Once qualified, the user can independently book scanner time and operate the scanner.
Availability
Scanner time must be booked prior to utilization. Booking is arranged among coordinating researchers during a booking session held around the 15th of each month, for MRI acquisitions scheduled for the following month.
Contact Dr. Christine Bastin
Staff:
Dr. Christine Bastin (Ph.D), researcher in cognitive neuroscience
Dr. Laurent Lamalle (Ph.D), MR Physicist
Dr. Mikhail Zubkov (Ph.D), MR Physicist
Ir. Dr. Mohamed Ali Bahri (Ir. Ph.D), Logisticien de recherche principal
Ir. Christian Degueldre (Ir.), IT
Sophie Laloux, nurse
Aubry Robert, study coordinator
Annick Claes, Secretary (Medical unit)
