A 16-channel dual-row transmit array in combination with a 31-element receive array for human brain imaging at 9.4 T

Detunable wireless resonator arrays for TMJ MRI: A comparative study

Temporomandibular Joint Magnetic Resonance Imaging (TMJ MRI) is crucial for diagnosing temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study advances the use of inductively coupled wireless coils to enhance imaging quality in TMJ MRI. After investigating multiple wireless resonator configurations, including a 1-loop design with a loop diameter of 9 cm, a 2-loop design with each loop having a diameter of 7 cm, and a 3-loop design with each loop having a diameter of 5 cm, our findings indicate that the 3-loop configuration achieves the optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), surpassing other wireless arrays. Bilateral deployment of wireless coils further amplifies SNR, enabling superior visualization of TMJ structures, particularly with the 3-loop design. This cost-effective and comfortable solution, featuring a detunable design, eliminates the need for system parameter adjustments. The study indicates broad adaptability across MRI platforms, enhancing TMJ imaging for routine clinical diagnostics of TMDs.

Intra-scan RF power amplifier drift correction

PURPOSE

The drift in radiofrequency (RF) power amplifiers (RFPAs) is assessed and several contributing factors are investigated. Two approaches for prospective correction of drift are proposed and their effectiveness is evaluated.

METHODS

RFPA drift assessment encompasses both intra-pulse and inter-pulse drift analyses. Scan protocols with varying flip angle (FA), RF length, and pulse repetition time (TR) are used to gauge the influence of these parameters on drift. Directional couplers (DICOs) monitor the forward waveforms of the RFPA outputs. DICOs data is stored for evaluation, allowing calculation of correction factors to adjust RFPAs' transmit voltage. Two correction methods, predictive and run-time, are employed: predictive correction necessitates a calibration scan, while run-time correction calculates factors during the ongoing scan.

RESULTS

RFPA drift is indeed influenced by the RF duty-cycle, and in the cases examined with a maximum duty-cycle of 66%, the potential drift is approximately 41% or 15%, depending on the specific RFPA revision. Notably, in low transmit voltage scenarios, FA has minimal impact on RFPA drift. The application of predictive and run-time drift correction techniques effectively reduces the average drift from 10.0% to less than 1%, resulting in enhanced MR signal stability.

CONCLUSION

Utilizing DICO recordings and implementing a feedback mechanism enable the prospective correction of RFPA drift. Having a calibration scan, predictive correction can be utilized with fewer complexity; for enhanced performance, a run-time approach can be employed.

Evaluation of the performance of a 7-T 8 × 2 transceiver array

The decoupled 8 × 2 transceiver array has been shown to achieve a mean B1 + of 11.7 uT with a coefficient of variation of ~11% over the intracranial brain volume for 7-T MR imaging. However, this array may be thought to give lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and higher g-factors for parallel imaging compared with a radio frequency (RF) receive-only coil due to the latter's higher coil count and use of coil overlap to reduce the mutual impedance. Nonetheless, because the transceiver's highly decoupled design (pertinent for transmission) should also be constructive for reception, we measured the noise correlation, g-factors, and SNR for the decoupled transceiver in comparison with a commercial reference coil. We found that although the transceiver has half the number of receive elements in comparison with the reference coil (16 vs. 32), comparable g-factors and SNR over the head were obtained. From five subjects, the transceiver versus reference coil SNR was 65 ± 10 versus 67 ± 15. The mean noise correlation for all coil pairs was 10% ± 5% and 12% ± 9% (transceiver and reference coil, respectively). As changes in load impedance may alter the S parameters, we also examined the performance of the transceiver with tuned and matched (TM) versus untuned and unmatched (UTM) conditions on five subjects. We found that the noise correlation and SNR are robust to load variation; a noise correlation of 10% ± 5% and 10% ± 6% was determined with TM versus UTM conditions (SNRUTM/SNRTM = 0.97 ± 0.08). Finally, we demonstrate the performance of the array in human brain using T2-weighted turbo spin echo imaging, finding excellent SNR performance in both caudal and rostral brain regions.

Submillimeter balanced SSFP BOLD-functional MRI accelerated with 3D stack-of-spirals at 9.4 T

PURPOSE

This work aims to improve the speed of balanced SSFP (bSSFP) acquisition with segmented 3D stack-of-spirals for functional brain studies at ultrahigh field.

METHODS

Functional experiments were performed with an accelerated 3D stack-of-spirals sequence with water excitation for fat suppression. The resulting data were reconstructed using an iterative algorithm with corrections for system imperfections such as trajectory deviations and B0 inhomogeneity. In the first set of experiments, we evaluated the signal change and stability with respect to echo and TR for a full-field checkerboard stimulus. To demonstrate the high spatio-temporal resolution of the developed method, the results of three optimized protocols at submillimeter resolution (0.6-mm isotropic and 0.8-mm isotropic) and at 1.2 mm isotropic resolution for whole-brain coverage were shown.

RESULTS

Water excitation and the model-based iterative reconstruction improved image quality. The BOLD-related signal changes increased with longer TE and longer TR. We observed an increase in thermal noise performance at lower TE and higher TR. However, signal stability deteriorates at higher TE and TR. Therefore, optimized protocols used shorter TE and moderately long TR to maximize the sensitivity and speed. Reproducible activations were detected along the gray-matter gyri in the submillimeter protocols with a median signal change of approximately 4% across subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional stack-of-spirals enables passband balanced SSFP functional imaging at a much higher spatial and temporal scale, compared with conventional spoiled gradient-echo train sequences.

RF coil design strategies for improving SNR at the ultrahigh magnetic field of 10.5 Tesla

Purpose

To develop multichannel transmit and receive arrays towards capturing the ultimate-intrinsic-SNR (uiSNR) at 10.5 Tesla (T) and to demonstrate the feasibility and potential of whole-brain, high-resolution human brain imaging at this high field strength.

Methods

A dual row 16-channel self-decoupled transmit (Tx) array was converted to a 16Tx/Rx transceiver using custom transmit/receive switches. A 64-channel receive-only (64Rx) array was built to fit into the 16Tx/Rx array. Electromagnetic modeling and experiments were employed to define safe operation limits of the resulting 16Tx/80Rx array and obtain FDA approval for human use.

Results

The 64Rx array alone captured approximately 50% of the central uiSNR at 10.5T while the identical 7T 64Rx array captured ∼76% of uiSNR at this lower field strength. The 16Tx/80Rx configuration brought the fraction of uiSNR captured at 10.5T to levels comparable to the performance of the 64Rx array at 7T. SNR data obtained at the two field strengths with these arrays displayed dependent increases over a large central region. Whole-brain high resolution T 2 * and T 1 weighted anatomical and gradient-recalled echo EPI BOLD fMRI images were obtained at 10.5T for the first time with such an advanced array, illustrating the promise of >10T fields in studying the human brain.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the ability to approach the uiSNR at 10.5T over the human brain with a novel, high channel count array, achieving large SNR gains over 7T, currently the most commonly employed ultrahigh field platform, and demonstrate high resolution and high contrast anatomical and functional imaging at 10.5T.

Dynamic parallel imaging at 9.4 T using reconfigurable receive coaxial dipoles

Parallel imaging is one of the key MRI technologies that allow reduction of image acquisition time. However, the parallel imaging reconstruction commonly leads to a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) drop evaluated using a so-called geometrical factor (g-factor). The g-factor is minimized by increasing the number of array elements and their spatial diversity. At the same time, increasing the element count requires a decrease in their size. This may lead to insufficient coil loading, an increase in the relative noise contribution from the RF coil itself, and hence SNR reduction. Previously, instead of increasing the channel number, we introduced the concept of electronically switchable time-varying sensitivities, which was shown to improve parallel imaging performance. In this approach, each reconfigurable receive element supports two spatially distinct sensitivity profiles. In this work, we developed and evaluated a novel eight-element human head receive-only reconfigurable coaxial dipole array for human head imaging at 9.4 T. In contrast to the previously reported reconfigurable dipole array, the new design does not include direct current (DC) control wires connected directly to the dipoles. The coaxial cable itself is used to deliver DC voltage to the PIN diodes located at the ends of the antennas. Thus, the novel reconfigurable coaxial dipole design opens a way to scale the dynamic parallel imaging up to a realistic number of channels, that is, 32 and above. The novel array was optimized and tested experimentally, including in vivo studies. It was found that dynamic sensitivity switching provided an 8% lower mean and 33% lower maximum g-factor (for Ry × Rz = 2 × 2 acceleration) compared with conventional static sensitivities.

Twisted pair transmission line coil - a flexible, self-decoupled and robust element for 7 T MRI

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the performance of a twisted pair transmission line coil as a transceive element for 7 T MRI in terms of physical flexibility, robustness to shape deformations, and interelement decoupling.

METHODS

Each coil element was created by shaping a twisted pair of wires into a circle. One wire was interrupted at the top, while the other was interrupted at the bottom, and connected to the matching circuit. Electromagnetic simulations were conducted to determine the optimal number of twists per length (in terms of B₁+ field efficiency, SAR efficiency, sensitivity to elongation, and interelement decoupling properties) and for investigating the fundamental operational principle of the coil through fields streamline visualisation. A comparison between the twisted pair coil and a conventional loop coil in terms of B₁+ fields, maxSAR₁₀g, and stability of S₁₁ when the coil was deformed was performed. Experimentally measured interelement coupling between individual elements of multichannel arrays was also investigated.

RESULTS

Increasing the number of twists per length resulted in a more physically robust coil. Poynting vector streamline visualisation showed that the twisted pair coil concentrated most of the energy in the near field. The twisted pair coil exhibited comparable B₁+ fields and improved maxSAR₁₀g to the conventional coil but demonstrated exceptional stability with respect to coil deformation and a strong self-decoupling nature when placed in an array configuration.

DISCUSSION

The findings highlight the robustness of the twisted pair coil, showcasing its stability under shape variations. This coil holds great potential as a flexible RF coil for various imaging applications using multiple-element arrays, benefiting from its inherent decoupling.

Evaluation of coaxial dipole antennas as transceiver elements of human head array for ultra-high field MRI at 9.4T

PURPOSE

The aim of this work is to evaluate a new eight-channel transceiver (TxRx) coaxial dipole array for imaging of the human head at 9.4T developed to improve specific absorption rate (SAR) performance, and provide for a more compact and robust alternative to the state-of-the art dipole arrays.

METHODS

First, the geometry of a single coaxial element was optimized to minimize peak SAR and sensitivity to the load variation. Next, a multi-tissue voxel model was used to numerically simulate a TxRx array coil that consisted of eight coaxial dipoles with the optimal configuration. Finally, we compared the developed array to other human head dipole arrays. Results of numerical simulations were verified on a bench and in the scanner including in vivo measurements on a healthy volunteer.

RESULTS

The developed eight-element coaxial dipole TxRx array coil showed up to 1.1times higher SAR-efficiency than a similar in geometry folded-end and fractionated dipole array while maintaining whole brain coverage and low sensitivity of the resonance frequency to variation in the head size.

CONCLUSION

As a proof of concept, we developed and constructed a prototype of a 9.4T (400 MHz) human head array consisting of eight TxRx coaxial dipoles. The developed array improved SAR-efficiency and provided for a more compact and robust alternative to the folded-end dipole design. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of using coaxial dipoles for human head MRI at ultra-high field.

FastPtx: a versatile toolbox for rapid, joint design of pTx RF and gradient pulses using Pytorch's autodifferentiation

OBJECTIVE

With modern optimization methods, free optimization of parallel transmit pulses together with their gradient waveforms can be performed on-line within a short time. A toolbox which uses PyTorch's autodifferentiation for simultaneous optimization of RF and gradient waveforms is presented and its performance is evaluated.

METHODS

MR measurements were performed on a 9.4T MRI scanner using a 3D saturated single-shot turboFlash sequence for [Formula: see text] mapping. RF pulse simulation and optimization were done using a Python toolbox and a dedicated server. An RF- and Gradient pulse design toolbox was developed, including a cost function to balance different metrics and respect hardware and regulatory limits. Pulse performance was evaluated in GRE and MPRAGE imaging. Pulses for non-selective and for slab-selective excitation were designed.

RESULTS

Universal pulses for non-selective excitation reduced the flip angle error to an NRMSE of (12.3±1.7)% relative to the targeted flip angle in simulations, compared to (42.0±1.4)% in CP mode. The tailored pulses performed best, resulting in a narrow flip angle distribution with NRMSE of (8.2±1.0)%. The tailored pulses could be created in only 66 s, making it feasible to design them during an experiment. A 90° pulse was designed as preparation pulse for a satTFL sequence and achieved a NRMSE of 7.1%. We showed that both MPRAGE and GRE imaging benefited from the pTx pulses created with our toolbox.

CONCLUSION

The pTx pulse design toolbox can freely optimize gradient and pTx RF waveforms in a short time. This allows for tailoring high-quality pulses in just over a minute.

Implant-friendly MRI of deep brain stimulation electrodes at 7 T

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to present a strategy to calculate the implant-friendly (IF) excitation modes-which mitigate the RF heating at the contacts of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes-of multichannel RF coils at 7 T.

METHODS

An induced RF current on an implantable electrode generates a scattered magnetic field whose left-handed circularly polarizing component (B 1 + $$ B{1}^{+} $$ ) is approximated using aB 1 + $$ B{1}^{+} $$ -mapping technique and subsequently used as a gauge for the electrode's induced current. Using this approach, the relative induced currents resulting from each channel of a multichannel RF coil on the DBS electrode were calculated. The IF modes of the corresponding multichannel coil were determined by calculating the null space of the relative induced currents. The proposed strategy was tested and validated for unilateral and bilateral commercial DBS electrodes (directional lead; Infinity DBS system, Abbott Laboratories) placed inside a uniform phantom by performing heating and imaging studies on a 7T MRI scanner using a 16-channel transceive RF coil.

RESULTS

Neither individual IF modes nor shim solutions obtained from IF modes induced significant temperature increase when used for a high-power turbo spin-echo sequence. In contrast, shimming with the scanner's toolbox (i.e., based on per-channelB 1 + $$ B{1}^{+} $$ fields) resulted in a more than 2°C temperature increase for the same amount of input power.

CONCLUSION

A strategy for calculating the IF modes of a multichannel RF coil is presented. This strategy was validated using a 16-channel RF coil at 7 T for unilateral and bilateral commercial DBS electrodes inside a uniform phantom.

Double-row 16-element folded-end dipole transceiver array for 3D RF shimming of the whole human brain at 9.4 T

Homogeneity and longitudinal coverage of transmit (Tx) human head RF coils at ultrahigh field (UHF, ≥7 T) can be improved by 3D RF shimming, which requires using multi-row Tx arrays. Examples of 3D RF shimming using double-row UHF loop transceiver (TxRx) and Tx arrays have been described previously. Dipole antennas provide unique simplicity and robustness while offering comparable Tx efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio to conventional loop designs. Single-row Tx and TxRx human head UHF dipole arrays have been previously described by multiple groups. Recently, we developed a novel type of dipole antenna, a folded-end dipole, and presented single-row eight-element array prototypes for human head imaging at 7 and 9.4 T. These studies have shown that the novel antenna design can improve the longitudinal coverage and minimize peak local specific absorption rate (SAR) as compared with common unfolded dipoles. In this work, we developed, constructed, and evaluated a 16-element double-row TxRx folded-end dipole array for human head imaging at 9.4 T. To minimize cross-talk between neighboring dipoles located in different rows, we used transformer decoupling, which decreased coupling to a level below -20 dB. The developed array design was demonstrated to be capable of 3D static RF shimming and can be potentially used for dynamic shimming using parallel transmission. For optimal phase shifts between the rows, the array provides 11% higher SAR efficiency and 18% higher homogeneity than a folded-end dipole single-row array of the same length. The design also offers a substantially simpler and more robust alternative to the common double-row loop array with about 10% higher SAR efficiency and better longitudinal coverage.

Actual patient position versus safety models: Specific Absorption Rate implications of initial head position for Ultrahigh Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Specific absorption rate (SAR) relates power absorption to tissue heating, and therefore is used as a safety constraint in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study investigates the implications of initial head positioning on local and whole-head SAR. A virtual body model was simulated at 161 positions inside an eight-channel parallel-transmit (pTx) array. On-axis displacements and rotations of up to 20 mm/degrees and off-axis axial/coronal translations were investigated. Single-channel, radiofrequency (RF) shimming (i.e., single-spoke pTx) and multispoke pTx pulses were designed for seven axial, five coronal and five sagittal slices at each position (the slices were consistent across all positions). Whole-head and local SAR were calculated using safety models consisting of a single (centred) body position, multiple representative positions and all simulated body positions. Positional mismatches between safety models and actual positions cause SAR underestimation. For axial imaging, the actual peak local SAR was up to 4.2-fold higher for both single-channel and 5-spoke pTx, 3.5-fold higher for 3-/4-spoke pTx, and 2-fold higher for RF shimming and 2-spoke pTx, compared with that calculated using the centred body position. For sagittal and coronal imaging, the underestimation of peak local SAR was up to 5.2-fold and 3.8-fold, respectively. Using all body positions to estimate SAR prevented SAR underestimation but yielded up to 11-fold SAR overestimation for RF shimming. Local SAR of single-channel and pTx multispoke pulses showed considerable dependence on the initial patient position. RF shimming yielded much lower sensitivity to positional mismatches for axial imaging but not for sagittal and coronal imaging. This was deemed attributable to the higher degrees-of-freedom of control offered by the investigated coil array for axial imaging. Whole-head SAR is less sensitive to positional mismatches compared with local SAR. Nevertheless, whole-head SAR increased by up to 80% for sagittal imaging. Local and whole-head SAR were observed to be more sensitive to positional mismatches in the axial plane, because of larger variations in coil-tissue proximity. Using all possible body positions in the safety model may become substantially over-conservative and limit imaging performance, especially for the RF shimming mode for axial imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging at 9.4 T: the Maastricht journey

The 9.4 T scanner in Maastricht is a whole-body magnet with head gradients and parallel RF transmit capability. At the time of the design, it was conceptualized to be one of the best fMRI scanners in the world, but it has also been used for anatomical and diffusion imaging. 9.4 T offers increases in sensitivity and contrast, but the technical ultra-high field (UHF) challenges, such as field inhomogeneities and constraints set by RF power deposition, are exacerbated compared to 7 T. This article reviews some of the 9.4 T work done in Maastricht. Functional imaging experiments included blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) and blood-volume weighted (VASO) fMRI using different readouts. BOLD benefits from shorter T₂* at 9.4 T while VASO from longer T₁. We show examples of both ex vivo and in vivo anatomical imaging. For many applications, pTx and optimized coils are essential to harness the full potential of 9.4 T. Our experience shows that, while considerable effort was required compared to our 7 T scanner, we could obtain high-quality anatomical and functional data, which illustrates the potential of MR acquisitions at even higher field strengths. The practical challenges of working with a relatively unique system are also discussed.

Functional mapping of sensorimotor activation in the human thalamus at 9.4 Tesla

Although the thalamus is perceived as a passive relay station for almost all sensory signals, the function of individual thalamic nuclei remains unresolved. In the present study, we aimed to identify the sensorimotor nuclei of the thalamus in humans using task-based fMRI at a field strength of 9.4T by assessing the individual subject-specific sensorimotor BOLD response during a combined active motor (finger-tapping) and passive sensory (tactile-finger) stimulation. We demonstrate that both tasks increase BOLD signal response in the lateral nuclei group (VPL, VA, VLa, and VLp), and in the pulvinar nuclei group (PuA, PuM, and PuL). Finger-tapping stimuli evokes a stronger BOLD response compared to the tactile stimuli, and additionally engages the intralaminar nuclei group (CM and Pf). In addition, our results demonstrate reproducible thalamic nuclei activation during motor and tactile stimuli. This work provides important insight into understanding the function of individual thalamic nuclei in processing various input signals and corroborates the benefits of using ultra-high-field MR scanners for functional imaging of fine-scale deeply located brain structures.

Multiple slot modules for high field magnetic resonance imaging array coils

PURPOSE

Mitigating coupling effects between coil elements represents a continuing challenge. Here, we present a 16-bowtie slot volume coil arranged in eight independent dual-slot modules without the use of any decoupling circuits.

METHODS

Two electrically short "bowtie" slot antennas were used to form a "module." A bowtie configuration was chosen because electromagnetic modeling results show that bowtie slots exhibit improved B 1 + P in $$ \frac{B_1^{+}}{\sqrt{P_{in}}} $$ efficiency when compared to thin rectangular slots. An eight-module volume coil was evaluated through electromagnetic modeling, bench tests, and MRI experiments at 4.7 T.

RESULTS

Bench tests indicate that worst-case coupling between modules did not exceed -14.5 dB. MR images demonstrate well-localized patterns about single excited modules confirming the low coupling between modules. Homogeneous MR images were acquired from a synthesized quadrature birdcage transmit mode. MRI experiments show that the RF power requirements for the proposed coil are 9.2 times more than a birdcage coil. Whereas from simulations performed to assess the proposed coil losses, the total power dissipated in the phantom was 1.1 times more for the birdcage. Simulation results at 7 T reveal an equivalent B₁ ⁺ homogeneity when compared with an eight-dipole coil.

CONCLUSION

Although exhibiting higher RF power requirements, as a transmit coil when the power availability is not a restriction, the inherently low coupling between electrically short slots should enable the use of many slot elements around the imaging volume. The slot module described in this paper should be useful in the design of multi-channel transmit coils.

Improving Specific Absorption Rate Efficiency and Coil Robustness of Self-Decoupled Transmit/Receive Coils by Elevating Feed and Mode Conductors

Self-decoupling technology was recently proposed for radio frequency (RF) coil array designs. Here, we propose a novel geometry to reduce the peak local specific absorption rate (SAR) and improve the robustness of the self-decoupled coil. We first demonstrate that B₁ is determined by the arm conductors, while the maximum E-field and local SAR are determined by the feed conductor in a self-decoupled coil. Then, we investigate how the B₁, E-field, local SAR, SAR efficiency, and coil robustness change with respect to different lift-off distances for feed and mode conductors. Next, the simulation of self-decoupled coils with optimal lift-off distances on a realistic human body is performed. Finally, self-decoupled coils with optimal lift-off distances are fabricated and tested on the workbench and MRI experiments. The peak 10 g-averaged SAR of the self-decoupled coil on the human body can be reduced by 34% by elevating the feed conductor. Less coil mismatching and less resonant frequency shift with respect to loadings were observed by elevating the mode conductor. Both the simulation and experimental results show that the coils with elevated conductors can preserve the high interelement isolation, B₁⁺ efficiency, and SNR of the original self-decoupled coils.

Ultra-high field MRI: parallel-transmit arrays and RF pulse design

This paper reviews the field of multiple or parallel radiofrequency (RF) transmission for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Currently the use of ultra-high field (UHF) MRI at 7 tesla and above is gaining popularity, yet faces challenges with non-uniformity of the RF field and higher RF power deposition. Since its introduction in the early 2000s, parallel transmission (pTx) has been recognized as a powerful tool for accelerating spatially selective RF pulses and combating the challenges associated with RF inhomogeneity at UHF. We provide a survey of the types of dedicated RF coils used commonly for pTx and the important modeling of the coil behavior by electromagnetic (EM) field simulations. We also discuss the additional safety considerations involved with pTx such as the specific absorption rate (SAR) and how to manage them. We then describe the application of pTx with RF pulse design, including a practical guide to popular methods. Finally, we conclude with a description of the current and future prospects for pTx, particularly its potential for routine clinical use.

Phase-based masking for quantitative susceptibility mapping of the human brain at 9.4T

PURPOSE

To develop improved tissue masks for QSM.

METHODS

Masks including voxels at the brain surface were automatically generated from the magnitude alone (MM) or combined with test functions from the first (PG) or second (PB) derivative of the sign of the wrapped phase. Phase images at 3T and 9.4T were simulated at different TEs and used to generate a mask, PItoh , with between-voxel phase differences less than π. MM, PG, and PB were compared with PItoh . QSM were generated from 3D multi-echo gradient-echo data acquired at 9.4T (21 subjects aged: 20-56y), and from the QSM2016 challenge 3T data using different masks, unwrapping, background removal, and dipole inversion algorithms. QSM contrast was quantified using age-based iron concentrations.

RESULTS

Close to air cavities, phase wraps became denser with increasing field and echo time, yielding increased values of the test functions. Compared with PItoh , PB had the highest Dice coefficient, while PG had the lowest and MM the highest percentage of voxels outside PItoh. Artifacts observed in QSM at 9.4T with MM were mitigated by stronger background filters but yielded a reduced QSM contrast. With PB, QSM contrast was greater and artifacts diminished. Similar results were obtained with challenge data, evidencing larger effects of mask close to air cavities.

CONCLUSION

Automatic, phase-based masking founded on the second derivative of the sign of the wrapped phase, including cortical voxels at the brain surface, was able to mitigate artifacts and restore QSM contrast across cortical and subcortical brain regions.

Characterization of the blood oxygen level dependent hemodynamic response function in human subcortical regions with high spatiotemporal resolution

Subcortical brain regions are absolutely essential for normal human function. These phylogenetically early brain regions play critical roles in human behaviors such as the orientation of attention, arousal, and the modulation of sensory signals to cerebral cortex. Despite the critical health importance of subcortical brain regions, there has been a dearth of research on their neurovascular responses. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) experiments can help fill this gap in our understanding. The BOLD hemodynamic response function (HRF) evoked by brief (<4 s) neural activation is crucial for the interpretation of fMRI results because linear analysis between neural activity and the BOLD response relies on the HRF. Moreover, the HRF is a consequence of underlying local blood flow and oxygen metabolism, so characterization of the HRF enables understanding of neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling. We measured the subcortical HRF at 9.4T and 3T with high spatiotemporal resolution using protocols that enabled reliable delineation of HRFs in individual subjects. These results were compared with the HRF in visual cortex. The HRF was faster in subcortical regions than cortical regions at both field strengths. There was no significant undershoot in subcortical areas while there was a significant post-stimulus undershoot that was tightly coupled with its peak amplitude in cortex. The different BOLD temporal dynamics indicate different vascular dynamics and neurometabolic responses between cortex and subcortical nuclei.

Double-row dipole/loop combined array for human whole brain imaging at 7 T

Important issues in designing radiofrequency (RF) coils for human head imaging at ultra-high field (UHF; ≥7 T) are the inhomogeneity and longitudinal coverage (along the magnet axis) of the transmit (Tx) RF field. Both the homogeneity and coverage produced by Tx volume coils can be improved by means of three-dimensional (3D) RF shimming, which requires the use of multirow Tx-arrays. In addition, according to recent findings of the ultimate intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio (UISNR) theory, the loop-only receive (Rx) arrays do not provide optimal SNR near the brain center at UHF. The latter can be obtained by combining complementary conductive structures carrying different current patterns (e.g., loops and dipole antennas). In this work, we developed, constructed, and evaluated a novel 32-element hybrid array design for human head imaging at 7 T. The array consists of 16 transceiver loops placed in two rows circumscribing the head and 16 folded-end Rx-only dipoles positioned in the centers of loops. By placing all elements in a single layer, we increased RF power deposition into the tissue and, thus, preserved the Tx-efficiency. Using this hybrid design also simplifies the coil structure by minimizing the total number of array elements. The array demonstrated whole brain coverage, 3D RF shimming capability, and high SNR. It provided ~15% higher SNR near the brain center and, depending on the RF shim mode, from 20% to 40% higher Tx-efficiency than a common commercial head array coil.

A 32-element loop/dipole hybrid array for human head imaging at 7 T

PURPOSE

To improve whole-brain SNR at 7 Tesla, a novel 32-element hybrid human head array coil was developed, constructed, and tested.

METHODS

Our general design strategy is based on 2 major ideas: Firstly, following suggestions of previous works based on the ultimate intrinsic SNR theory, we combined loops and dipoles for improvement of SNR near the head center. Secondly, we minimized the total number of array elements by using a hybrid combination of transceive (TxRx) and receive (Rx) elements. The new hybrid array consisted of 8 folded-end TxRx-dipole antennas and 3 rows of 24 Rx-loops all placed in a single layer on the surface of a tight-fit helmet.

RESULTS

The developed array significantly improved SNR in vivo both near the center (∼20%) and at the periphery (∼20% to 80%) in comparison to a common commercial array coil with 8 transmit (Tx) and 32 Rx-elements. Whereas 24 loops alone delivered central SNR very similar to that of the commercial coil, the addition of complementary dipole structures provided further improvement. The new array also provided ∼15% higher Tx efficiency and better longitudinal coverage than that of the commercial array.

CONCLUSION

The developed array coil demonstrated advantages in combining complementary TxRx and Rx resonant structures, that is, TxRx-dipoles and Rx-loops all placed in a single layer at the same distance to the head. This strategy improved both SNR and Tx-performance, as well as simplified the total head coil design, making it more robust.

A patient-friendly 16-channel transmit/64-channel receive coil array for combined head-neck MRI at 7 Tesla

PURPOSE

To extend the coverage of brain coil arrays to the neck and cervical-spine region to enable combined head and neck imaging at 7 Tesla (T) ultra-high field MRI.

METHODS

The coil array structures of a 64-channel receive coil and a 16-channel transmit coil were merged into one anatomically shaped close-fitting housing. Transmit characteristics were evaluated in a B1+ -field mapping study and an electromagnetic model. Receive SNR and the encoding capability for accelerated imaging were evaluated and compared with a commercially available 7 T brain array coil. The performance of the head-neck array coil was demonstrated in human volunteers using high-resolution accelerated imaging.

RESULTS

In the brain, the SNR matches the commercially available 32-channel brain array and showed improvements in accelerated imaging capabilities. More importantly, the constructed coil array improved the SNR in the face area, neck area, and cervical spine by a factor of 1.5, 3.4, and 5.2, respectively, in regions not covered by 32-channel brain arrays at 7 T. The interelement coupling of the 16-channel transmit coil ranged from -14 to -44 dB (mean = -19 dB, adjacent elements <-18 dB). The parallel 16-channel transmit coil greatly facilitates B1+ field shaping required for large FOV neuroimaging at 7 T.

CONCLUSION

This new head-neck array coil is the first demonstration of a device of this nature used for combined full-brain, head-neck, and cervical-spine imaging at 7 T. The array coil is well suited to provide large FOV images, which potentially improves ultrahigh field neuroimaging applications for clinical settings.

Resistor-free and one-board-fits-all ratio adjustable power splitter for add-on RF shimming in high field MRI

Ratio adjustable power splitter (RAPS) circuits were recently proposed for add-on RF shimming. Previous RAPSs split the input RF signal with a Wilkinson splitter or 50-Ω-terminated hybrid coupler into two branches, delay these two signals with cable/microstrip line phase shifters, and recombine them with another hybrid coupler. They require resistors to provide high output isolation and a cable/microstrip line library to realize desired splitting ratios. Here we propose a novel resistor-free RAPS circuit in which the Wilkinson splitter/50-Ω-terminated hybrid is replaced with a resistor-free T-junction splitter. A novel sliding mechanism was employed to further combine the T-junction's output arms with subsequent phase shifters and realize a one-board-fits-all design. The resistor-free RAPS was theoretically analyzed, simulated, and validated on workbench and MRI experiments. The resistor-free RAPS's splitting ratio has a tan/cot dependence on the phase/length difference between the T-junction output arms. The ratio can be continuously adjusted to any value by sliding the input arm without additional cable/microstrip libraries, largely saving time and effort when determining the best RF weights in practice. The fabricated resistor-free RAPS has a compact size, excellent input impedance matching, and a low insertion loss. Potential safety concerns caused by unwanted power dissipation on RF resistors are eliminated. The simulation and MRI experiments demonstrated that the resistor-free RAPS functions well on a widely-used Tx coil.

Accelerated MRI at 9.4 T with electronically modulated time-varying receive sensitivities

PURPOSE

To investigate how electronically modulated time-varying receive sensitivities can improve parallel imaging reconstruction at ultra-high field.

METHODS

Receive sensitivity modulation was achieved by introducing PIN diodes in the receive loops, which allow rapid switching of capacitances in both arms of each loop coil and by that alter B₁ ^- profiles, resulting in two distinct receive sensitivity configurations. A prototype 8-channel reconfigurable receive coil for human head imaging at 9.4T was built, and MR measurements were performed in both phantom and human subject. A modified SENSE reconstruction for time-varying sensitivities was formulated, and g-factor calculations were performed to investigate how modulation of receive sensitivity profiles during image encoding can improve parallel imaging reconstruction. The optimized modulation pattern was realized experimentally, and reconstructions with the time-varying sensitivities were compared with conventional static SENSE reconstructions.

RESULTS

The g-factor calculations showed that fast modulation of receive sensitivities in the order of the ADC dwell time during k-space acquisition can improve parallel imaging performance, as this effectively makes spatial information of both configurations simultaneously available for image encoding. This was confirmed by in vivo measurements, for which lower reconstruction errors (SSIM = 0.81 for acceleration R = 4) and g-factors (max g = 2.4; R = 4) were observed for the case of rapidly switched sensitivities compared to conventional reconstruction with static sensitivities (SSIM = 0.74 and max g = 3.2; R = 4). As the method relies on the short RF wavelength at ultra-high field, it does not yield significant benefits at 3T and below.

CONCLUSIONS

Time-varying receive sensitivities can be achieved by inserting PIN diodes in the receive loop coils, which allow modulation of B₁ ^- patterns. This offers an additional degree of freedom for image encoding, with the potential for improved parallel imaging performance at ultra-high field.

Correcting inter-scan motion artifacts in quantitative R1 mapping at 7T

PURPOSE

Inter-scan motion is a substantial source of error in R 1 estimation methods based on multiple volumes, for example, variable flip angle (VFA), and can be expected to increase at 7T where B 1 fields are more inhomogeneous. The established correction scheme does not translate to 7T since it requires a body coil reference. Here we introduce two alternatives that outperform the established method. Since they compute relative sensitivities they do not require body coil images.

THEORY

The proposed methods use coil-combined magnitude images to obtain the relative coil sensitivities. The first method efficiently computes the relative sensitivities via a simple ratio; the second by fitting a more sophisticated generative model.

METHODS

R 1 maps were computed using the VFA approach. Multiple datasets were acquired at 3T and 7T, with and without motion between the acquisition of the VFA volumes. R 1 maps were constructed without correction, with the proposed corrections, and (at 3T) with the previously established correction scheme. The effect of the greater inhomogeneity in the transmit field at 7T was also explored by acquiring B 1 + maps at each position.

RESULTS

At 3T, the proposed methods outperform the baseline method. Inter-scan motion artifacts were also reduced at 7T. However, at 7T reproducibility only converged on that of the no motion condition if position-specific transmit field effects were also incorporated.

CONCLUSION

The proposed methods simplify inter-scan motion correction of R 1 maps and are applicable at both 3T and 7T, where a body coil is typically not available. The open-source code for all methods is made publicly available.

B1 field map synthesis with generative deep learning used in the design of parallel-transmit RF pulses for ultra-high field MRI

Spoke trajectory parallel transmit (pTX) excitation in ultra-high field MRI enables B₁⁺ inhomogeneities arising from the shortened RF wavelength in biological tissue to be mitigated. To this end, current RF excitation pulse design algorithms either employ the acquisition of field maps with subsequent non-linear optimization or a universal approach applying robust pre-computed pulses. We suggest and evaluate an intermediate method that uses a subset of acquired field maps combined with generative machine learning models to reduce the pulse calibration time while offering more tailored excitation than robust pulses (RP). The possibility of employing image-to-image translation and semantic image synthesis machine learning models based on generative adversarial networks (GANs) to deduce the missing field maps is examined. Additionally, an RF pulse design that employs a predictive machine learning model to find solutions for the non-linear (two-spokes) pulse design problem is investigated. As a proof of concept, we present simulation results obtained with the suggested machine learning approaches that were trained on a limited data-set, acquired in vivo. The achieved excitation homogeneity based on a subset of half of the B₁⁺ maps acquired in the calibration scans and half of the B₁⁺ maps synthesized with GANs is comparable with state of the art pulse design methods when using the full set of calibration data while halving the total calibration time. By employing RP dictionaries or machine-learning RF pulse predictions, the total calibration time can be reduced significantly as these methods take only seconds or milliseconds per slice, respectively.

Integrated Multi-Modal Antenna With Coupled Radiating Structures (I-MARS) for 7T pTx Body MRI

One of the main challenges in ultra-high field whole body MRI relates to the uniformity and efficiency of the radiofrequency field. Although recent advances in the design of RF coils have demonstrated that dipole antennas have a current distribution ideally suited to 7T MRI, they are limited by low isolation and poor robustness to loading changes. Multi-layered and self-decoupled loop coils have demonstrated improved RF performance in these areas at lower field MRI but have not been adapted to dipole designs. In this work, we introduce a novel type of RF antenna consisting of integrated multi-modal antenna with coupled radiating structures (I-MARS), which use layered conductors and dielectric substrates to allow dipole and transmission line modes to co-exist on the same compact dipole-shaped structure. The proposed antenna was optimally designed for 7T MRI and compared with existing dipole antennas using numerical simulations, which showed that I-MARS had similar B₁ over specific absorption rate efficiency and superior isolation and stability. Subsequently, a prototype pTx coil array was built and tested in vivo on healthy volunteers at 7T. The articulated, modular construction of the I-MARS coil array allowed it to be readily conformed across multiple body regions (hip, knee, shoulder, lumbar spine and prostate), without requiring modification of the tuning and matching of the antennas. Using RF shimming, uniform and efficient excitation was successfully achieved in the acquisition of high-resolution MR images.

Developing formalin-based fixative agents for post mortem brain MRI at 9.4 T

PURPOSE

To develop fixative agents for high-field MRI with suitable dielectric properties and measure MR properties in immersion-fixed brain tissue.

METHODS

Dielectric properties of formalin-based agents were assessed (100 MHz-4.5 GHz), and four candidate fixatives with/without polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and different salt concentrations were formulated. B₁ field and MR properties (T₁ , R 2 ∗ , R₂ , R 2 ' , and magnetic susceptibility [QSM]) were observed in white and gray matter of pig brain samples during 0.5-35 days of immersion fixation. The kinetics were fitted using exponential functions. The immersion time required to reach maximum R 2 ∗ values at different tissue depths was used to estimate the Medawar coefficient for fixative penetration. The effect of replacing the fixatives with Fluoroinert and phosphate-buffered saline as embedding media was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The dielectric properties of formalin were nonlinearly modified by increasing amounts of additives. With 5% PVP and 0.04% NaCl, the dielectric properties and B₁ field reflected in vivo conditions. The highest B₁ values were found in white matter with PVP and varied significantly with tissue depth and embedding media, but not with immersion time. The MR properties depended on PVP yielding lower T₁ , higher R 2 ∗ , more paramagnetic QSM values, and a lower Medawar coefficient (0.9 mm / h ; without PVP: 1.5). Regardless of fixative, switching to phosphate-buffered saline as embedder caused a paramagnetic shift in QSM and decreased R 2 ∗ that progressed during 1 month of storage, whereas no differences were found with Fluorinert.

CONCLUSION

In vivo-like B₁ fields can be achieved in formalin fixatives using PVP and a low salt concentration, yielding lower T₁ , higher R 2 ∗ , and more paramagnetic QSM than without additives. The kinetics of R 2 ∗ allowed estimation of fixative tissue penetration.

A nine-channel transmit/receive array for spine imaging at 10.5 T: Introduction to a nonuniform dielectric substrate antenna

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to introduce a new antenna element with improved transmit performance, named the nonuniform dielectric substrate (NODES) antenna, for building transmit arrays at ultrahigh-field.

METHODS

We optimized a dipole antenna at 10.5 Tesla by maximizing the B 1 + -SAR efficiency in a phantom for a human spine target. The optimization parameters included permittivity variation in the substrate, substrate thickness, antenna length, and conductor geometry. We conducted electromagnetic simulations as well as phantom experiments to compare the transmit/receive performance of the proposed NODES antenna design with existing coil elements from the literature.

RESULTS

Single NODES element showed up to 18% and 30% higher B 1 + -SAR efficiency than the fractionated dipole and loop elements, respectively. The new element is substantially shorter than a commonly used dipole, which enables z-stacked array formation; it is additionally capable of providing a relatively uniform current distribution along its conductors. The nine-channel transmit/receive NODES array achieved 7.5% higher B 1 + homogeneity than a loop array with the same number of elements. Excitation with the NODES array resulted in 33% lower peak 10g-averaged SAR and required 34% lower input power than the loop array for the target anatomy of the spine.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we introduced a new RF coil element: the NODES antenna. NODES antenna outperformed the widely used loop and dipole elements and may provide improved transmit/receive performance for future ultrahigh field MRI applications.

A 16-Channel Dipole Antenna Array for Human Head Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 10.5 Tesla

For ultra-high field and frequency (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the associated short wavelengths in biological tissues leads to penetration and homogeneity issues at 10.5 tesla (T) and require antenna transmit arrays for efficiently generated 447 MHz B₁⁺ fields (defined as the transmit radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field generated by RF coils). Previously, we evaluated a 16-channel combined loop + dipole antenna (LD) 10.5 T head array. While the LD array configuration did not achieve the desired B₁⁺ efficiency, it showed an improvement of the specific absorption rate (SAR) efficiency compared to the separate 8-channel loop and separate 8-channel dipole antenna arrays at 10.5 T. Here we compare a 16-channel dipole antenna array with a 16-channel LD array of the same dimensions to evaluate B₁⁺ efficiency, 10 g SAR, and SAR efficiency. The 16-channel dipole antenna array achieved a 24% increase in B₁⁺ efficiency in the electromagnetic simulation and MR experiment compared to the LD array, as measured in the central region of a phantom. Based on the simulation results with a human model, we estimate that a 16-channel dipole antenna array for human brain imaging can increase B₁⁺ efficiency by 15% with similar SAR efficiency compared to a 16-channel LD head array.

Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping of the Basal Ganglia and Thalamus at 9.4 Tesla

The thalamus (Th) and basal ganglia (BG) are central subcortical connectivity hubs of the human brain, whose functional anatomy is still under intense investigation. Nevertheless, both substructures contain a robust and reproducible functional anatomy. The quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) at ultra-high field may facilitate an improved characterization of the underlying functional anatomy in vivo. We acquired high-resolution QSM data at 9.4 Tesla in 21 subjects, and analyzed the thalamic and BG by using a prior defined functional parcellation. We found a more substantial contribution of paramagnetic susceptibility sources such as iron in the pallidum in contrast to the caudate, putamen, and Th in descending order. The diamagnetic susceptibility sources such as myelin and calcium revealed significant contributions in the Th parcels compared with the BG. This study presents a detailed nuclei-specific delineation of QSM-provided diamagnetic and paramagnetic susceptibility sources pronounced in the BG and the Th. We also found a reasonable interindividual variability as well as slight hemispheric differences. The results presented here contribute to the microstructural knowledge of the Th and the BG. In specific, the study illustrates QSM values (myelin, calcium, and iron) in functionally similar subregions of the Th and the BG.

9.4 T double-tuned 13 C/1 H human head array using a combination of surface loops and dipole antennas

MRI at ultra-high field (UHF, ≥7 T) provides a natural strategy for improving the quality of X-nucleus magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging due to the intrinsic benefit of increased signal-to-noise ratio. Considering that RF coils require both local transmission and reception at UHF, the designs of double-tuned coils, which often consist of several layers of transmit and receive resonant elements, become quite complex. A few years ago, a new type of RF coil, ie a dipole antenna, was developed and used for human body and head imaging at UHF. Due to the mechanical and electrical simplicity of dipole antennas, combining an X-nucleus surface loop array with ¹ H dipoles can substantially simplify the design of a double-tuned UHF human head array coil. Recently, we developed a novel bent folded-end dipole transceiver array for human head imaging at 9.4 T. The new eight-element dipole array demonstrated full brain coverage, and transmit efficiency comparable to that of the substantially more complex 16-element surface loop array. In this work, we developed, constructed and evaluated a double-tuned ¹³ C/¹ H human head 9.4 T array consisting of eight ¹³ C transceiver surface loops and eight ¹ H transceiver bent folded-end dipole antennas all placed in a single layer. We showed that interaction between loops and dipoles can be minimized by placing four ¹ H traps into each ¹³ C loop. The presented double-tuned RF array coil substantially simplifies the design as compared with the common double-tuned surface loop arrays. At the same time, the coil demonstrated an improved ¹ H longitudinal coverage and good transmit efficiency.

Evaluation of 8-Channel Radiative Antenna Arrays for Human Head Imaging at 10.5 Tesla

For human head magnetic resonance imaging at 10.5 tesla (T), we built an 8-channel transceiver dipole antenna array and evaluated the influence of coaxial feed cables. The influence of coaxial feed cables was evaluated in simulation and compared against a physically constructed array in terms of transmit magnetic field (B₁⁺) and specific absorption rate (SAR) efficiency. A substantial drop (23.1% in simulation and 20.7% in experiment) in B₁⁺ efficiency was observed with a tight coaxial feed cable setup. For the investigation of the feed location, the center-fed dipole antenna array was compared to two 8-channel end-fed arrays: monopole and sleeve antenna arrays. The simulation results with a phantom indicate that these arrays achieved ~24% higher SAR efficiency compared to the dipole antenna array. For a human head model, we observed 30.8% lower SAR efficiency with the 8-channel monopole antenna array compared to the phantom. Importantly, our simulation with the human model indicates that the sleeve antenna arrays can achieve 23.8% and 21% higher SAR efficiency compared to the dipole and monopole antenna arrays, respectively. Finally, we obtained high-resolution human cadaver images at 10.5 T with the 8-channel sleeve antenna array.

Folded-end dipole transceiver array for human whole-brain imaging at 7 T

The advancement of clinical applications of ultrahigh field (UHF) MRI depends heavily on advances in technology, including the development of new radiofrequency (RF) coil designs. Currently, the number of commercially available 7 T head RF coils is rather limited, implying a need to develop novel RF head coil designs that offer superior transmit and receive performance. RF coils to be used for clinical applications must be robust and reliable. In particular, for transmit arrays, if a transmit channel fails the local specific absorption rate may increase, significantly increasing local tissue heating. Recently, dipole antennas have been proposed and used to design UHF head transmit and receive arrays. The dipole provides a unique simplicity while offering comparable transmit efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio with the conventional loop design. Recently, we developed a novel array design in our laboratory using a folded-end dipole antenna. In this work, we developed, constructed and evaluated an eight-element transceiver bent folded-end dipole array for human head imaging at 7 T. Driven in the quadrature circularly polarized mode, the array demonstrated more than 20% higher transmit efficiency and significantly better whole-brain coverage than that provided by a widely used commercial array. In addition, we evaluated passive dipole antennas for decoupling the proposed array. We demonstrated that in contrast to the common unfolded dipole array, the passive dipoles moved away from the sample not only minimize coupling between the adjacent folded-end active dipoles but also produce practically no destructive interference with the quadrature mode of the array.

Displacement current distribution on a high dielectric constant helmet and its effect on RF field at 10.5 T (447 MHz)

PURPOSE

Investigating the designs and effects of high dielectric constant (HDC) materials in the shape of a conformal helmet on the enhancement of RF field and reduction of specific absorption rate at 10.5 T for human brain studies.

METHODS

A continuous and a segmented four-piece HDC helmet fit to a human head inside an eight-channel fractionated-dipole array were constructed and studied with a phantom and a human head model using computer electromagnetic simulations. The simulated transmit efficiency and receive sensitivity were experimentally validated using a phantom with identical electric properties and helmet-coil configurations of the computer model. The temporal and spatial distributions of displacement currents on the HDC helmets were analyzed.

RESULTS

Using the continuous HDC helmet, simulation results in the human head model demonstrated an average transmit efficiency enhancement of 66%. A propagating displacement current was induced on the continuous helmet, leading to an inhomogeneous RF field enhancement in the brain. Using the segmented four-piece helmet design to reduce this effect, an average 55% and 57% enhancement in the transmit efficiency and SNR was achieved in human head, respectively, along with 8% and 28% reductions in average and maximum local specific absorption rate.

CONCLUSION

The HDC helmets enhanced the transmit efficiency and SNR of the dipole array coil in the human head at 10.5 T. The segmentation of the helmet to disrupt the continuity of circumscribing displacement currents in the helmet produced a more uniform distribution of the transmit field and lower specific absorption rate in the human head compared with the continuous helmet design.

Multi-echo gradient-recalled-echo phase unwrapping using a Nyquist sampled virtual echo train in the presence of high-field gradients

PURPOSE

To develop a spatio-temporal approach to accurately unwrap multi-echo gradient-recalled echo phase in the presence of high-field gradients.

THEORY AND METHODS

Using the virtual echo-based Nyquist sampled (VENyS) algorithm, the temporal unwrapping procedure is modified by introduction of one or more virtual echoes between the first lower and the immediate higher echo, so as to reinstate the Nyquist condition at locations with high-field gradients. An iterative extension of the VENyS algorithm maintains spatial continuity by adjusting the phase rotations to make the neighborhood phase differences less than π. The algorithm is evaluated using simulated data, Gadolinium contrast-doped phantom, and in vivo brain, abdomen, and chest data sets acquired at 3 T and 9.4 T. The unwrapping performance is compared with the standard temporal unwrapping algorithm used in the morphology-enabled dipole inversion-QSM pipeline as a benchmark for validation.

RESULTS

Quantitative evaluation using numerical phantom showed significant reduction in unwrapping errors in regions of large field gradients, and the unwrapped phase revealed an exact match with the linear concentration profile of vials in a gadolinium contrast-doped phantom data acquired at 9.4 T. Without the need for additional spatial unwrapping, the iterative VENyS algorithm was able to generate spatially continuous phase images. Application to in vivo data resulted in better unwrapping performance, especially in regions with large susceptibility changes such as the air/tissue interface.

CONCLUSION

The iterative VENyS algorithm serves as a robust unwrapping method for multi-echo gradient-recalled echo phase in the presence of high-field gradients.

Ultra-High Field MRI in Alzheimer's Disease: Effective Transverse Relaxation Rate and Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping of Human Brain In Vivo and Ex Vivo compared to Histology

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. So far, diagnosis of AD is only unequivocally defined through postmortem histology. Amyloid plaques are a classical hallmark of AD and amyloid load is currently quantified by Positron Emission tomography (PET) in vivo. Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) can potentially provide a non-invasive biomarker for AD by allowing imaging of pathological processes at a very-high spatial resolution. The first aim of this work was to reproduce the characteristic cortical pattern previously observed in vivo in AD patients using weighted-imaging at 7T. We extended these findings using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and quantification of the effective transverse relaxation rate (R2*) at 9.4T. The second aim was to investigate the origin of the contrast patterns observed in vivo in the cortex of AD patients at 9.4T by comparing quantitative UHF-MRI (9.4T and 14.1T) of postmortem samples with histology. We observed a distinctive cortical pattern in vivo in patients compared to healthy controls (HC), and these findings were confirmed ex vivo. Specifically, we found a close link between the signal changes detected by QSM in the AD sample at 14.1T and the distribution pattern of amyloid plaques in the histological sections of the same specimen. Our findings showed that QSM and R2* maps can distinguish AD from HC at UHF by detecting cortical alterations directly related to amyloid plaques in AD patients. Furthermore, we provided a method to quantify amyloid plaque load in AD patients at UHF non-invasively.

Dedicated container for postmortem human brain ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

The emerging field of ultra-high field MRI (UHF-MRI, 7 Tesla and higher) provides the opportunity to image human brains at a higher resolution and with higher signal-to-noise ratios compared to the more widely available 1.5 and 3T scanners. Scanning postmortem tissue additionally allows for greatly increased scan times and fewer movement issues leading to improvements in image quality. However, typical postmortem neuroimaging routines involve placing the tissue within plastic bags that leave room for susceptibility artifacts from tissue-air interfaces, inadequate submersion, and leakage issues. To address these challenges in postmortem imaging, a custom-built nonferromagnetic container was developed that allows whole brain hemispheres to be scanned at sub-millimeter resolution within typical head-coils.

METHOD

The custom-built polymethylmethacrylaat container consists of a cylinder with a hemispheric side and a lid with valves on the adjacent side. This shape fits within common MR head-coils and allows whole hemispheres to be submerged and vacuum sealed within it reducing imaging artifacts that would otherwise arise at air-tissue boundaries. Two hemisphere samples were scanned on a Siemens 9.4T Magnetom MRI scanner. High resolution T2* weighted data was obtained with a custom 3D gradient echo (GRE) sequence and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) scans were obtained with a 3D kT-dSTEAM sequence along 48 directions.

RESULTS

The custom-built container proved to submerge and contain tissue samples effectively and showed no interferences with MR scanning acquisition. The 3D GRE sequence provided high resolution isotropic T2* weighted data at 250 μm which showed a clear visualization of gray and white matter structures. DWI scans allowed for dense reconstruction of structural white matter connections via tractography.

CONCLUSION

Using this custom-built container worked towards achieving high quality MR images of postmortem brain material. This procedure can have advantages over traditional schemes including utilization of a standardized protocol and the reduced likelihood of leakage. This methodology could be adjusted and used to improve typical postmortem imaging routines.

Comparison of 16-Channel Asymmetric Sleeve Antenna and Dipole Antenna Transceiver Arrays at 10.5 Tesla MRI

Multi-element transmit arrays with low peak 10 g specific absorption rate (SAR) and high SAR efficiency (defined as ( [Formula: see text]SAR [Formula: see text] are essential for ultra-high field (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. Recently, the adaptation of dipole antennas used as MRI coil elements in multi-channel arrays has provided the community with a technological solution capable of producing uniform images and low SAR efficiency at these high field strengths. However, human head-sized arrays consisting of dipole elements have a practical limitation to the number of channels that can be used due to radiofrequency (RF) coupling between the antenna elements, as well as, the coaxial cables necessary to connect them. Here we suggest an asymmetric sleeve antenna as an alternative to the dipole antenna. When used in an array as MRI coil elements, the asymmetric sleeve antenna can generate reduced peak 10 g SAR and improved SAR efficiency. To demonstrate the advantages of an array consisting of our suggested design, we compared various performance metrics produced by 16-channel arrays of asymmetric sleeve antennas and dipole antennas with the same dimensions. Comparison data were produced on a phantom in electromagnetic (EM) simulations and verified with experiments at 10.5 Tesla (T). The results produced by the 16-channel asymmetric sleeve antenna array demonstrated 28 % lower peak 10 g SAR and 18.6 % higher SAR efficiency when compared to the 16-channel dipole antenna array.

A self-decoupled 32-channel receive array for human-brain MRI at 10.5 T

PURPOSE

Receive array layout, noise mitigation, and B₀ field strength are crucial contributors to SNR and parallel-imaging performance. Here, we investigate SNR and parallel-imaging gains at 10.5 T compared with 7 T using 32-channel receive arrays at both fields.

METHODS

A self-decoupled 32-channel receive array for human brain imaging at 10.5 T (10.5T-32Rx), consisting of 31 loops and one cloverleaf element, was co-designed and built in tandem with a 16-channel dual-row loop transmitter. Novel receive array design and self-decoupling techniques were implemented. Parallel imaging performance, in terms of SNR and noise amplification (g-factor), of the 10.5T-32Rx was compared with the performance of an industry-standard 32-channel receiver at 7 T (7T-32Rx) through experimental phantom measurements.

RESULTS

Compared with the 7T-32Rx, the 10.5T-32Rx provided 1.46 times the central SNR and 2.08 times the peripheral SNR. Minimum inverse g-factor value of the 10.5T-32Rx (min[1/g] = 0.56) was 51% higher than that of the 7T-32Rx (min[1/g] = 0.37) with R = 4 × 4 2D acceleration, resulting in significantly enhanced parallel-imaging performance at 10.5 T compared with 7 T. The g-factor values of 10.5 T-32 Rx were on par with those of a 64-channel receiver at 7 T (eg, 1.8 vs 1.9, respectively, with R = 4 × 4 axial acceleration).

CONCLUSION

Experimental measurements demonstrated effective self-decoupling of the receive array as well as substantial gains in SNR and parallel-imaging performance at 10.5 T compared with 7 T.

Radiofrequency coil for routine ultra-high-field imaging with an unobstructed visual field

Many neuroscience applications have adopted functional MRI as a tool to investigate the healthy and diseased brain during the completion of a task. While ultra-high-field MRI has allowed for improved contrast and signal-to-noise ratios during functional MRI studies, it remains a challenge to create local radiofrequency coils that can accommodate an unobstructed visual field and be suitable for routine use, while at the same time not compromise performance. Performance (both during transmission and reception) can be improved by using close-fitting coils; however, maintaining sensitivity over the whole brain often requires the introduction of coil elements proximal to the eyes, thereby partially occluding the subject's visual field. This study presents a 7 T head coil, with eight transmit dipoles and 32 receive loops, that is designed to remove visual obstructions from the subject's line of sight, allowing for an unencumbered view of visual stimuli, the reduction of anxiety induced from small enclosures, and the potential for eye-tracking measurements. The coil provides a practical solution for routine imaging, including a split design (anterior and posterior halves) that facilitates subject positioning, including those with impaired mobility, and the placement of devices required for patient comfort and motion reduction. The transmit and receive coils displayed no degradation of performance due to adaptions to the design topology (both mechanical and electrical) required to create an unobstructed visual field. All computer-aided design files, electromagnetic simulation models, transmit field maps and local specific absorption rate matrices are provided to promote reproduction.

Unshielded bent folded-end dipole 9.4 T human head transceiver array decoupled using modified passive dipoles

PURPOSE

To develop an unshielded dipole transceiver array for human head imaging at 9.4 Tesla and to improve decoupling of adjacent dipole elements, a novel array design with modified passive dipole antennas was developed, evaluated, and tested.

METHODS

The new array consisted of 8 bent folded-end dipole elements placed in a single row and surrounding the head. Adjacent elements of RF transceiver arrays are usually decoupled by introducing circuits electrically connected to elements. These methods are difficult to use for dipole arrays because of the distant location of the adjacent antennas. A recently developed decoupling technique using passive dipoles is simple and does not require any electrical connection. However, common parallel passive dipoles can produce destructive interference with the RF field of the array itself. To minimize this interference, we placed the passive dipoles perpendicularly to the active dipoles and positioned them at the ends of the array. We also evaluated the effect of different passive dipoles on the array transmit performance. Finally, we optimized the array transmit performance by varying the length of the dipole folded portion.

RESULTS

By rotating the passive dipoles 90º and moving them toward the ends of the array, we minimized the destructive interference to an acceptable level without compromising decoupling and the transmit efficiency.

CONCLUSION

While keeping the benefits of the passive dipole decoupling method, the new modified dipoles produce substantially less destructive interference with the RF field of the array than the common design. The constructed transceiver array demonstrated good decoupling and whole-brain coverage.

Electromagnetic simulation of a 16-channel head transceiver at 7 T using circuit-spatial optimization

PURPOSE

With increased interest in parallel transmission in ultrahigh-field MRI, methods are needed to correctly calculate the S-parameters and complex field maps of the parallel transmission coil. We present S-parameters paired with spatial field optimization to fully simulate a double-row 16-element transceiver array for brain MRI at 7 T.

METHODS

We implemented a closed-form equation of the coil S-parameters and overall spatial B 1 + field. We minimized a cost function, consisting of coil S-parameters and the B 1 + homogeneity in brain tissue, by optimizing transceiver components, including matching, decoupling circuits, and lumped capacitors. With this, we are able to compare the in silico results determined with and without B 1 + homogeneity weighting. Using the known voltage range from the host console, we reconstructed the B 1 + maps of the array and performed RF shimming with four realistic head models.

RESULTS

As performed with B 1 + homogeneity weighting, the optimized coil circuit components were highly consistent over the four heads, producing well-tuned, matched, and decoupled coils. The mean peak forward powers and B 1 + statistics for the head models are consistent with in vivo human results (N = 8). There are systematic differences in the transceiver components as optimized with or without B 1 + homogeneity weighting, resulting in an improvement of 28.4 ± 7.5% in B 1 + homogeneity with a small 1.9 ± 1.5% decline in power efficiency.

CONCLUSION

This co-simulation methodology accurately simulates the transceiver, predicting consistent S-parameters, component values, and B 1 + field. The RF shimming of the calculated field maps match the in vivo performance.

Effect of radiofrequency shield diameter on signal-to-noise ratio at ultra-high field MRI

PURPOSE

In this work, we investigated how the position of the radiofrequency (RF) shield can affect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a receive RF coil. Our aim was to obtain physical insight for the design of a 10.5T 32-channel head coil, subject to the constraints on the diameter of the RF shield imposed by the head gradient coil geometry.

METHOD

We used full-wave numerical simulations to investigate how the SNR of an RF receive coil depends on the diameter of the RF shield at ultra-high magnetic field (UHF) strengths (≥7T).

RESULTS

Our simulations showed that there is an SNR-optimal RF shield size at UHF strength, whereas at low field the SNR monotonically increases with the shield diameter. For a 32-channel head coil at 10.5T, an optimally sized RF shield could act as a cylindrical waveguide and increase the SNR in the brain by 27% compared to moving the shield as far as possible from the coil. Our results also showed that a separate transmit array between the RF shield and the receive array could considerably reduce SNR even if they are decoupled.

CONCLUSION

At sufficiently high magnetic field strength, the design of local RF coils should be optimized together with the design of the RF shield to benefit from both near field and resonant modes.

Depth relationships and measures of tissue thickness in dorsal midbrain

Dorsal human midbrain contains two nuclei with clear laminar organization, the superior and inferior colliculi. These nuclei extend in depth between the superficial dorsal surface of midbrain and a deep midbrain nucleus, the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). The PAG, in turn, surrounds the cerebral aqueduct (CA). This study examined the use of two depth metrics to characterize depth and thickness relationships within dorsal midbrain using the superficial surface of midbrain and CA as references. The first utilized nearest-neighbor Euclidean distance from one reference surface, while the second used a level-set approach that combines signed distances from both reference surfaces. Both depth methods provided similar functional depth profiles generated by saccadic eye movements in a functional MRI task, confirming their efficacy for delineating depth for superficial functional activity. Next, the boundaries of the PAG were estimated using Euclidean distance together with elliptical fitting, indicating that the PAG can be readily characterized by a smooth surface surrounding PAG. Finally, we used the level-set approach to measure tissue depth between the superficial surface and the PAG, thus characterizing the variable thickness of the colliculi. Overall, this study demonstrates depth-mapping schemes for human midbrain that enables accurate segmentation of the PAG and consistent depth and thickness estimates of the superior and inferior colliculi.

Application of Evolution Strategies to the Design of SAR Efficient Parallel Transmit Multi-Spoke Pulses for Ultra-High Field MRI

We present an evolution-strategy based approach to solve the magnitude least squares (MLS) design problem of low flip-angle slice-selective parallel transmit RF pulses for ultra-high field MRI using SAR and peak-RF-constraints. A combined transmit k-space trajectory and RF pulse weight optimization is proposed in two algorithmic steps. The first step is a coarse grid search to find an initial solution that fulfills all constraints for the subsequent multistage optimization. This avoids convergence to the next nearest local minimum. The second step attempts to refine the results using multiple evolution strategies. We compare the performance of our approach with the non-convex optimization methods described in the literature. The proposed algorithm converges for phantom and in vivo data and only requires an initial estimate of the range of suitable regularization parameters. It demonstrates improved excitation homogeneity compared to published spoke-design methods and allows optimization for homogeneity with a subsequent reduction in the SAR burden. Moreover, excitation homogeneity and the SAR burden can be balanced against each other, enabling a further reduction in SAR at the cost of minor relaxations in excitation homogeneity. This feature makes the algorithm a good candidate for SAR limited sequences in ultra-high field imaging. The algorithm is validated using phantom and in vivo measurements obtained with a 16-channel transmit array at 9.4T.

Improving radiofrequency power and specific absorption rate management with bumped transmit elements in ultra-high field MRI

PURPOSE

In this study, we investigate a strategy to reduce the local specific absorption rate (SAR) while keeping B 1 + constant inside the region of interest (ROI) at the ultra-high field (B0 ≥ 7T) MRI.

METHODS

Locally raising the resonance structure under the discontinuity (i.e., creating a bump) increases the distance between the accumulated charges and the tissue. As a result, it reduces the electric field and local SAR generated by these charges inside the tissue. The B 1 + at a point that is sufficiently far from the coil, however, is not affected by this modification. In this study, three different resonant elements (i.e., loop coil, snake antenna, and fractionated dipole [FD]) are investigated. For experimental validation, a bumped FD is further investigated at 10.5T. After the validation, the transmit performances of eight-channel arrays of each element are compared through electromagnetic (EM) simulations.

RESULTS

Introducing a bump reduced the peak 10g-averaged SAR by 21, 26, 23% for the loop and snake antenna at 7T, and FD at 10.5T, respectively. In addition, eight-channel bumped FD array at 10.5T had a 27% lower peak 10g-averaged SAR in a realistic human body simulation (i.e., prostate imaging) compared to an eight-channel FD array.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we investigated a simple design strategy based on adding bumps to a resonant element to reduce the local SAR while maintaining B 1 + inside an ROI. As an example, we modified an FD and performed EM simulations and phantom experiments with a 10.5T scanner. Results show that the peak 10g-averaged SAR can be reduced more than 25%.

Evaluation of a 16-channel transceiver loop + dipole antenna array for human head imaging at 10.5 tesla

We evaluated a 16-channel loop + dipole (LD) transceiver antenna array with improved specific absorption rate (SAR) efficiency for 10.5 Tesla (T) human head imaging apsplications. Three different array designs with equal inner dimensions were considered: an 8-channel dipole antenna, an 8-channel loop, and a 16-channel LD antenna arrays. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and B1 + efficiency (in units of μT per √W) were simulated and measured in 10.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments. For the safety validation, 10 g SAR and SAR efficiency (defined as the B1 + over √ (peak 10 g SAR)) were calculated through simulation. Finally, high resolution porcine brain images were acquired with the 16-channel LD antenna array, including a fast turbo-spin echo (TSE) sequence incorporating B1 shimming techniques. Both the simulation and experiments demonstrated that the combined 16-channel LD antenna array showed similar B1 + efficiency compared to the 8-channel dipole antenna and the 8-channel loop arrays in a circular polarized (CP) mode. In a central 2 mm × 2 mm region of the phantom, however, the 16-channel LD antenna array showed an improvement in peak 10 g SAR of 27.5 % and 32.5 % over the 8-channel dipole antenna and the 8-channel loop arrays, respectively. We conclude that the proposed 16-channel head LD antenna array design is capable of achieving ~7% higher SAR efficiency at 10.5 T compared to either the 8-channel loop-only or the 8-channel dipole-only antenna arrays of the same dimensions.

Eigenmode analysis of the scattering matrix for the design of MRI transmit array coils

PURPOSE

To obtain efficient operation modes of transmit array (TxArray) coils using a general design technique based on the eigenmode analysis of the scattering matrix.

METHODS

We introduce the concept of modal reflected power and excitation eigenmodes, which are calculated as the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of S^H S, where the superscript H denotes the Hermitian transpose. We formulate the normalized reflected power, which is the ratio of the total reflected power to the total incident power of TxArray coils for a given excitation signal as the weighted sum of the modal reflected power. By minimizing the modal reflected power of TxArray coils, we increase the excitation space with a low total reflection. The algorithm was tested on 4 dual-row TxArray coils with 8 to 32 channels.

RESULTS

By minimizing the modal reflected power, we designed an 8-element TxArray coil to have a low reflection for 7 out of 8 dimensions of the excitation space. Similarly, the minimization of the modal reflected power of a 16-element TxArray coil enabled us to enlarge the dimension of the excitation space by 50% compared with commonly employed design techniques. Moreover, we demonstrated that the low total reflected power for some critical excitation modes, such as the circularly polarized mode, can be achieved for all TxArray coils even with a high level of coupling.

CONCLUSION

Eigenmode analysis is an efficient method that intuitively provides a quantitative and compact representation of the coil's power transmission capabilities. This method also provides insight into the excitation modes with low reflection.