MR microscopy of the developing upper extremity of the chicken in ovo using 7 Tesla MRI

MR microscopy (MRM) is known as ultra-high-field (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging with an in-plane spatial resolution of < 100 mu m, yields highly resolved non-invasive anatomical imaging and allows longitudinal assessment of embryonic avian development. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of in vivo anatomical MRI assessment of the developing upper extremity of the chicken. Thirty-eight fertilized chicken eggs were examined at 7 Tesla acquiring high-resolution T2-weighted images with an in-plane resolution of 74 x 74 mu m. To reduce motion artefacts, the eggs were moderately cooled before and during MRI. Development of the upper extremity was anatomically and quantitatively assessed. Chondrification and ossification on MRI were correlated with histological examination. MRM allowed the identification of the embryo from stage D5 onwards. First chondrification of the upper extremity was visible at stage D7, and the differentiation of the forearm was possible from stage D9 throughout the developmental period with excellent correlation to histology. MRM also allowed the differentiation between cortical and medullary bone as well as the detection of chondrified areas. UHF MRM allows the in vivo and in ovo evaluation of the upper limb during embryonic development and provides non-invasive longitudinal anatomical information. This technique allows longitudinal studies of the same embryo during the developmental period and may therefore provide further insights into the development of the upper extremity. With improved coil technique and increasing availability of UHF MR systems, there is great potential regarding several research topics in experimental musculoskeletal radiology.