Abstract. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a new tomographic imaging method potentially capable of rapid 3D dynamic imaging of magnetic tracer materials. Until now, only dynamic 2D phantom experiments with high tracer concentrations have been demonstrated. In this letter, first in vivo 3D real-time MPI scans are presented revealing details of a beating mouse heart using a clinically approved concentration of a commercially available MRI contrast agent. A temporal resolution of 21.5 ms is achieved at a 3D field of view of 20.4 × 12 × 16.8 mm³ with a spatial resolution sufficient to resolve all heart chambers. With these abilities, MPI has taken a huge step toward medical application.

Print publication: Issue 5 (7 March 2009)
Received 28 October 2008, in final form 23 December 2008
Published 10 February 2009