Three-dimensional fluid pressure mapping in porous media using magnetic resonance imaging with gas-filled liposomes

Magn Reson Imaging. 2007 May;25(4):509-12. doi: 10.1016/j.mri.2006.11.021. Epub 2007 Jan 19.

Abstract

This paper presents and demonstrates a method for using magnetic resonance imaging to measure local pressure of a fluid saturating a porous medium. The method is tested both in a static system of packed silica gel and in saturated sintered glass cylinders experiencing fluid flow. The fluid used contains 3% gas in the form of 3-mum average diameter gas filled 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C18:0, MW: 790.16) liposomes suspended in 5% glycerol and 0.5% Methyl cellulose with water. Preliminary studies at 2.35 T demonstrate relative magnetic resonance signal changes of 20% per bar in bulk fluid for an echo time T(E)=40 ms, and 6-10% in consolidated porous media for T(E)=10 ms, over the range 0.8-1.8 bar for a spatial resolution of 0.1 mm(3) and a temporal resolution of 30 s. The stability of this solution with relation to applied pressure and methods for improving sensitivity are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media
  • Gases / analysis*
  • Glass
  • Glycerol
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Liposomes*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Methylcellulose
  • Microbubbles
  • Permeability
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Porosity
  • Pressure
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Silica Gel
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Time Factors
  • Water

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gases
  • Liposomes
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Water
  • Silica Gel
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Methylcellulose
  • 1,2-distearoyllecithin
  • Glycerol