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Terekhov M, Elabyad IA, Lohr D, Reiter T, Kögler C, Lanz T, Schreiber LM. Complementary analysis of specific absorption rate safety for an 8Tx/16Rx array with central symmetry of elements for magnetic resonance imaging of the human heart and abdominopelvic organs at 7 T. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 36:e5023. [PMID: 37620002 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
A complementary safety assessment of the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the electromagnetic energy was performed in a prototype 8Tx/16Rx RF array for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 7 T. The study aimed to address two critical aspects of 7-T SAR safety not always explicitly examined by coil vendors: (i) the influence of an RF-array position on a peak SAR value, and (ii) the risk of exceeding the permitted maximal SAR in the tissue surrounding conductive passive implants. The full-wave 3D electromagnetic simulations for the thorax with shifted array position and the whole-body volume in the presence of a dental retainer, an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD), and a hip joint implant, were performed for two human voxel models. The effect of the array displacement on the SAR was simulated for seven array locations on the thorax shifted from the central position in different directions on 50 mm. The peak SAR values for both models were analyzed for the three phase-only transmit vectors optimized for B1 + homogeneity and transmit efficiency. Peak SAR values due to the shifts of the array position increase up to ≈50%. The worst-case peak SAR value for a dental retainer was found to be in the range of 10% of the maximal SAR in the tissue within the array's borders. For the IUD and artificial hip joint implants the effect was found to be negligible (peak SAR < 1% of the SAR within array borders). In addition to simulations for cardiac MRI, we performed a preliminary B1 + shimming and SAR-safety analysis for the same RF-array at various positions lower on the body trunk to assess a potential application in imaging abdominopelvic organs (prostate, kidney, and liver). The most promising target for an ad hoc alternative application of the array was found to be the prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Terekhov
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Würzburg (UKW), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ibrahim A Elabyad
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Würzburg (UKW), Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Lohr
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Würzburg (UKW), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Reiter
- Department of Internal Medicine I/Cardiology, University Hospital Würzburg (UKW), Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Laura M Schreiber
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Würzburg (UKW), Würzburg, Germany
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Nurzed B, Kuehne A, Aigner CS, Schmitter S, Niendorf T, Eigentler TW. Radiofrequency antenna concepts for human cardiac MR at 14.0 T. MAGMA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 36:257-277. [PMID: 36920549 PMCID: PMC10140016 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-023-01075-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the feasibility of human cardiac MR (CMR) at 14.0 T using high-density radiofrequency (RF) dipole transceiver arrays in conjunction with static and dynamic parallel transmission (pTx). MATERIALS AND METHODS RF arrays comprised of self-grounded bow-tie (SGBT) antennas, bow-tie (BT) antennas, or fractionated dipole (FD) antennas were used in this simulation study. Static and dynamic pTx were applied to enhance transmission field (B1+) uniformity and efficiency in the heart of the human voxel model. B1+ distribution and maximum specific absorption rate averaged over 10 g tissue (SAR10g) were examined at 7.0 T and 14.0 T. RESULTS At 14.0 T static pTx revealed a minimum B1+ROI efficiency of 0.91 μT/√kW (SGBT), 0.73 μT/√kW (BT), and 0.56 μT/√kW (FD) and maximum SAR10g of 4.24 W/kg, 1.45 W/kg, and 2.04 W/kg. Dynamic pTx with 8 kT points indicate a balance between B1+ROI homogeneity (coefficient of variation < 14%) and efficiency (minimum B1+ROI > 1.11 µT/√kW) at 14.0 T with a maximum SAR10g < 5.25 W/kg. DISCUSSION MRI of the human heart at 14.0 T is feasible from an electrodynamic and theoretical standpoint, provided that multi-channel high-density antennas are arranged accordingly. These findings provide a technical foundation for further explorations into CMR at 14.0 T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilguun Nurzed
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Robert Rössle Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Thoralf Niendorf
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Robert Rössle Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
- MRI.TOOLS GmbH, Berlin, Germany.
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Thomas Wilhelm Eigentler
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Robert Rössle Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Chair of Medical Engineering, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Terekhov M, Elabyad IA, Lohr D, Hofmann U, Schreiber LM. High-resolution imaging of the excised porcine heart at a whole-body 7 T MRI system using an 8Tx/16Rx pTx coil. MAGMA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 36:279-293. [PMID: 37027119 PMCID: PMC10140105 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-023-01077-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION MRI of excised hearts at ultra-high field strengths ([Formula: see text]≥7 T) can provide high-resolution, high-fidelity ground truth data for biomedical studies, imaging science, and artificial intelligence. In this study, we demonstrate the capabilities of a custom-built, multiple-element transceiver array customized for high-resolution imaging of excised hearts. METHOD A dedicated 16-element transceiver loop array was implemented for operation in parallel transmit (pTx) mode (8Tx/16Rx) of a clinical whole-body 7 T MRI system. The initial adjustment of the array was performed using full-wave 3D-electromagnetic simulation with subsequent final fine-tuning on the bench. RESULTS We report the results of testing the implemented array in tissue-mimicking liquid phantoms and excised porcine hearts. The array demonstrated high efficiency of parallel transmits characteristics enabling efficient pTX-based B1+-shimming. CONCLUSION The receive sensitivity and parallel imaging capability of the dedicated coil were superior to that of a commercial 1Tx/32Rx head coil in both SNR and T2*-mapping. The array was successfully tested to acquire ultra-high-resolution (0.1 × 0.1 × 0.8 mm voxel) images of post-infarction scar tissue. High-resolution (isotropic 1.6 mm3 voxel) diffusion tensor imaging-based tractography provided high-resolution information about normal myocardial fiber orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Terekhov
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, University Hospital Würzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, 97078, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Ibrahim A Elabyad
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, University Hospital Würzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Lohr
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, University Hospital Würzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Hofmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I / Cardiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Laura M Schreiber
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, University Hospital Würzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
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Williams SN, McElhinney P, Gunamony S. Ultra-high field MRI: parallel-transmit arrays and RF pulse design. Phys Med Biol 2023; 68. [PMID: 36410046 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aca4b7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney N Williams
- Imaging Centre of Excellence, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul McElhinney
- Imaging Centre of Excellence, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Shajan Gunamony
- Imaging Centre of Excellence, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,MR CoilTech Limited, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Elabyad IA, Terekhov M, Lohr D, Bille M, Hock M, Schreiber LM. A novel antisymmetric 16-element transceiver dipole antenna array for parallel transmit cardiac MRI in pigs at 7 T. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2022; 35:e4726. [PMID: 35277907 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
To improve parallel transmit (pTx) and receive performance for cardiac MRI (cMRI) in pigs at 7 T, a dedicated transmit/receive (Tx/Rx), 16-element antisymmetric dipole antenna array, which combines L-shaped and straight dipoles, was designed, implemented, and evaluated in both cadavers and animals in vivo. Electromagnetic-field simulations were performed with the new 16-element dipole antenna array loaded with a pig thorax-shaped phantom and compared with an eight-element array of straight dipoles. The new dipole array was interfaced to a 7 T scanner in pTx mode (8Tx/16Rx). Imaging performance of the novel array was validated through MRI measurements in a pig phantom, an 85 kg pig cadaver, and two pigs in vivo (74 and 81 kg). Due to the improved decoupling between interleaved L-shaped and straight dipole elements, the 16-element dipole array fits within the same outer dimensions as an eight-element array of straight dipoles. This provides improvement of both transmit and receive characteristics and additional degrees of freedom for B1+ shimming. The antisymmetric dipole array demonstrated efficient suppression of destructive interferences in the B1+ field, with up to 25% improvement in the B1+ homogeneity achieved using static pTx-RFPA B1+ shimming in comparison with the hardware-adjusted state, which was optimized for single transmit. High-resolution (0.5 × 0.5 × 4 mm3 ) anatomical images of the heart after cardiac arrest proved good transmit and receive characteristics of the novel array design. Parallel imaging with an acceleration factor up to R = 6 was possible while maintaining a mean g factor of 1.55 within the pig heart. CINE images acquired in vivo in two pigs demonstrated SNR and parallel imaging capabilities similar to those of a reference 8Tx/16Rx dedicated loop array for cMRI in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A Elabyad
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Terekhov
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - David Lohr
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Maya Bille
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hock
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Laura M Schreiber
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Pannicke E, Speck O, Vick R. Distributed Capacitors for MR-Receive-Coils: Theory and Method. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:1516-1521. [PMID: 34891573 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9630345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
MR coils are a crucial part in the receiving chain of an MRI. Their characteristics determine the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) as well as the quality of the illumination of the volume-of-interest (VOI), which is significantly reduced as the circumference of the conductor is comparable in size to the wavelength.A well-known countermeasure to this is the use of distributed capacitors on the circumference of conductor loops. Although this measure is mentioned in numerous works, there is no systematic framework to correctly determine the values of these capacitors. In this work a systematic framework for the analysis of distributed capacitors on conductor loops is established. This is achieved by a four-pole representation of the circular loop, which allows for a eigen-mode analysis to determine the correct values.Based on the results, an experimental method for determining the values is derived and validated in workbench measurements. This provides, for the first time, an easy-to-use method for determining the correct values of distributed capacitors.
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Abstract
Especially after the launch of 7 T, the ultrahigh magnetic field (UHF) imaging community achieved critically important strides in our understanding of the physics of radiofrequency interactions in the human body, which in turn has led to solutions for the challenges posed by such UHFs. As a result, the originally obtained poor image quality has progressed to the high-quality and high-resolution images obtained at 7 T and now at 10.5 T in the human torso. Despite these tremendous advances, work still remains to further improve the image quality and fully capitalize on the potential advantages UHF has to offer.
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Terekhov M, Elabyad IA, Schreiber LM. Global optimization of default phases for parallel transmit coils for ultra-high-field cardiac MRI. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255341. [PMID: 34358243 PMCID: PMC8346258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of novel multiple-element transmit-receive arrays is an essential factor for improving B1+ field homogeneity in cardiac MRI at ultra-high magnetic field strength (B0 > = 7.0T). One of the key steps in the design and fine-tuning of such arrays during the development process is finding the default driving phases for individual coil elements providing the best possible homogeneity of the combined B1+-field that is achievable without (or before) subject-specific B1+-adjustment in the scanner. This task is often solved by time-consuming (brute-force) or by limited efficiency optimization methods. In this work, we propose a robust technique to find phase vectors providing optimization of the B1-homogeneity in the default setup of multiple-element transceiver arrays. The key point of the described method is the pre-selection of starting vectors for the iterative solver-based search to maximize the probability of finding a global extremum for a cost function optimizing the homogeneity of a shaped B1+-field. This strategy allows for (i) drastic reduction of the computation time in comparison to a brute-force method and (ii) finding phase vectors providing a combined B1+-field with homogeneity characteristics superior to the one provided by the random-multi-start optimization approach. The method was efficiently used for optimizing the default phase settings in the in-house-built 8Tx/16Rx arrays designed for cMRI in pigs at 7T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Terekhov
- Chair of Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Ibrahim A. Elabyad
- Chair of Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Laura M. Schreiber
- Chair of Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Eigentler TW, Kuehne A, Boehmert L, Dietrich S, Els A, Waiczies H, Niendorf T. 32-Channel self-grounded bow-tie transceiver array for cardiac MR at 7.0T. Magn Reson Med 2021; 86:2862-2879. [PMID: 34169546 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Design, implementation, evaluation, and application of a 32-channel Self-Grounded Bow-Tie (SGBT) transceiver array for cardiac MR (CMR) at 7.0T. METHODS The array consists of 32 compact SGBT building blocks. Transmission field ( B 1 + ) shimming and radiofrequency safety assessment were performed with numerical simulations and benchmarked against phantom experiments. In vivo B 1 + efficiency mapping was conducted with actual flip angle imaging. The array's applicability for accelerated high spatial resolution 2D FLASH CINE imaging of the heart was examined in a volunteer study (n = 7). RESULTS B 1 + shimming provided a uniform field distribution suitable for female and male subjects. Phantom studies demonstrated an excellent agreement between simulated and measured B 1 + efficiency maps (7% mean difference). The SGBT array afforded a spatial resolution of (0.8 × 0.8 × 2.5) mm3 for 2D CINE FLASH which is by a factor of 12 superior to standardized cardiovascular MR (CMR) protocols. The density of the SGBT array supports 1D acceleration of up to R = 4 (mean signal-to-noise ratio (whole heart) ≥ 16.7, mean contrast-to-noise ratio ≥ 13.5) without impairing image quality significantly. CONCLUSION The compact SGBT building block facilitates a modular high-density array that supports accelerated and high spatial resolution CMR at 7.0T. The array provides a technological basis for future clinical assessment of parallel transmission techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wilhelm Eigentler
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.,Chair of Medical Engineering, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Laura Boehmert
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dietrich
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig and Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Els
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Thoralf Niendorf
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.,MRI.TOOLS GmbH, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
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Beck MJ, Parker DL, Hadley JR. Capacitive versus Overlap Decoupling of Adjacent Radio Frequency Phased Array Coil Elements: An Imaging Robustness Comparison When Sample Load Varies for 3 Tesla MRI. CONCEPTS IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE. PART B, MAGNETIC RESONANCE ENGINEERING 2020; 2020:8828047. [PMID: 34867110 PMCID: PMC8640609 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8828047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Phased array (PA) receive coils are built such that coil elements approximate independent antenna behavior. One method of achieving this goal is to use an available decoupling method to decouple adjacent coil elements. The purpose of this work was to compare the relative performance of two decoupling methods as a function of variation in sample load. Two PA receive coils with 5 channels (5-ch) each, equal outer dimensions, and formed on 12 cm diameter cylindrical phantoms of conductivities 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 S/m were evaluated for relative signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and parallel imaging performance. They were only tuned and matched to the 0.6 S/m phantom. Simulated and measured axial, sagittal, and coronal 5-ch PA coil SNR ratios were compared by dividing the overlap by the capacitive decoupled coil SNR results. Issues related to the selection of capacitor values for the two decoupling methods were evaluated by taking the ratio of the match and tune capacitors for large and small 2 channel (2-ch) PA coils. The SNR ratios showed that the SNR of the two decoupling methods were very similar. The inverse geometry-factor maps showed similar but better overall parallel imaging performance for the capacitive decoupled method. The quotients for the 2-ch PA coils' maximum and minimum capacitor value ratios are 3.28 and 1.38 for the large and 3.28 and 2.22 for the small PA. The results of this paper demonstrate that as the sample load varies, the capacitive and overlap decoupling methods are very similar in relative SNR and this similarity continues for parallel imaging performance. Although, for the 5-ch coils studied, the capacitive decoupling method has a slight SNR and parallel imaging advantage and it was noted that the capacitive decoupled coil is more likely to encounter unbuildable PA coil configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Beck
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84132, USA
| | - Dennis L Parker
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84132, USA
| | - J Rock Hadley
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84132, USA
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Ibrahim ESH, Arpinar VE, Muftuler LT, Stojanovska J, Nencka AS, Koch KM. Cardiac functional magnetic resonance imaging at 7T: Image quality optimization and ultra-high field capabilities. World J Radiol 2020; 12:231-246. [PMID: 33240463 PMCID: PMC7653183 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v12.i10.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 7T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) introduces several advantages, as well as some limitations, compared to lower-field imaging. The capabilities of ultra-high field (UHF) MRI have not been fully exploited in cardiac functional imaging.
AIM To optimize 7T cardiac MRI functional imaging without the need for conducting B1 shimming or subject-specific tuning, which improves scan efficiency. In this study, we provide results from phantom and in vivo scans using a multi-channel transceiver modular coil.
METHODS We investigated the effects of adding a dielectric pad at different locations next to the imaged region of interest on improving image quality in subjects with different body habitus. We also investigated the effects of adjusting the imaging flip angle in cine and tagging sequences on improving image quality, B1 field homogeneity, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), blood-myocardium contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and tagging persistence throughout the cardiac cycle.
RESULTS The results showed the capability of achieving improved image quality with high spatial resolution (0.75 mm × 0.75 mm × 2 mm), high temporal resolution (20 ms), and increased tagging persistence (for up to 1200 ms cardiac cycle duration) at 7T cardiac MRI after adjusting scan set-up and imaging parameters. Adjusting the imaging flip angle was essential for achieving optimal SNR and myocardium-to-blood CNR. Placing a dielectric pad at the anterior left position of the chest resulted in improved B1 homogeneity compared to other positions, especially in subjects with small chest size.
CONCLUSION Improved regional and global cardiac functional imaging can be achieved at 7T MRI through simple scan set-up adjustment and imaging parameter optimization, which would allow for more streamlined and efficient UHF cardiac MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed H Ibrahim
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - V Emre Arpinar
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - L Tugan Muftuler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Jadranka Stojanovska
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Andrew S Nencka
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Kevin M Koch
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
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Ibrahim ESH, Arpinar VE, Muftuler LT, Stojanovska J, Nencka AS, Koch KM. Cardiac functional magnetic resonance imaging at 7T: Image quality optimization and ultra-high field capabilities. World J Radiol 2020. [DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v12.i10.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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A Novel Mono-surface Antisymmetric 8Tx/16Rx Coil Array for Parallel Transmit Cardiac MRI in Pigs at 7T. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3117. [PMID: 32080274 PMCID: PMC7033245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59949-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel mono-surface antisymmetric 16-element transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) coil array was designed, simulated, constructed, and tested for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) in pigs at 7 T. The cardiac array comprised of a mono-surface 16-loops with two central elements arranged anti-symmetrically and flanked by seven elements on either side. The array was configured for parallel transmit (pTx) mode to have an eight channel transmit and 16-channel receive (8Tx/16Rx) coil array. Electromagnetic (EM) simulations, bench-top measurements, phantom, and MRI experiments with two pig cadavers (68 and 46 kg) were performed. Finally, the coil was used in pilot in-vivo measurements with a 60 kg pig. Flip angle (FA), geometry factor (g-factor), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) maps, and high-resolution cardiac images were acquired with an in-plane resolution of 0.6 mm × 0.6 mm (in-vivo) and 0.3 mm × 0.3 mm (ex-vivo). The mean g-factor over the heart was 1.26 (R = 6). Static phase [Formula: see text] shimming in a pig body phantom with the optimal phase vectors makes possible to improve the [Formula: see text] homogeneity by factor > 2 and transmit efficiency by factor > 3 compared to zero phases (before RF shimming). Parallel imaging performed in the in-vivo measurements demonstrated well preserved diagnostic quality of the resulting images at acceleration factors up to R = 6. The described hardware design can be adapted for arrays optimized for animals and humans with a larger number of elements (32-64) while maintaining good decoupling for various MRI applications at UHF (e.g., cardiac, head, and spine).
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Elabyad IA, Terekhov M, Stefanescu MR, Lohr D, Fischer M, Schreiber LM. Design of a novel antisymmetric coil array for parallel transmit cardiac MRI in pigs at 7 T. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2019; 305:195-208. [PMID: 31306985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The design, simulation, assembly and testing of a novel dedicated antisymmetric transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) coil array to demonstrate the feasibility of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) in pigs at 7 T was described. The novel antisymmetric array is composed of eight elements based on mirrored and reversed loop orientations to generate varying B1+ field harmonics for RF shimming. The central four loop elements formed together a pair of antisymmetric L-shaped channels to allow good decoupling between all neighboring elements of the entire array. The antisymmetric array was compared to a standard symmetric rectilinear loop array with an identical housing dimension. Both arrays were driven in the parallel transmit (pTx) mode forming an 8-channel transmit and 16-channel receive (8Tx/16Rx) coil array, where the same posterior array was combined with both anterior arrays. The hardware and imaging performance of the dedicated cardiac arrays were validated and compared by means of electromagnetic (EM) simulations, bench-top measurements, phantom, and ex-vivo MRI experiments with 46 kg female pig. Combined signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), geometry factor (g-factor), noise correlation maps, and high resolution ex-vivo cardiac images were acquired with an in-plane resolution of 0.3 mm × 0.3 mm using both arrays. The novel antisymmetric array enhanced the SNR within the heart by about two times and demonstrated good decoupling and improved control of the B1+ field distributions for RF shimming compared to the standard coil array. Parallel imaging with acceleration factor (R) up to 4 was possible using the novel antisymmetric coil array while maintaining the mean g-factor within the heart region of 1.13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A Elabyad
- Chair of Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, D-97078 Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering, Thebes Higher Institute of Engineering, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - M Terekhov
- Chair of Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, D-97078 Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - M R Stefanescu
- Chair of Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, D-97078 Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - D Lohr
- Chair of Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, D-97078 Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - M Fischer
- Chair of Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, D-97078 Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - L M Schreiber
- Chair of Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, D-97078 Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Erturk MA, Li X, Van de Moortele PF, Ugurbil K, Metzger GJ. Evolution of UHF Body Imaging in the Human Torso at 7T: Technology, Applications, and Future Directions. Top Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 28:101-124. [PMID: 31188271 PMCID: PMC6587233 DOI: 10.1097/rmr.0000000000000202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The potential value of ultrahigh field (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy to biomedical research and in clinical applications drives the development of technologies to overcome its many challenges. The increased difficulties of imaging the human torso compared with the head include its overall size, the dimensions and location of its anatomic targets, the increased prevalence and magnitude of physiologic effects, the limited availability of tailored RF coils, and the necessary transmit chain hardware. Tackling these issues involves addressing notoriously inhomogeneous transmit B1 (B1) fields, limitations in peak B1, larger spatial variations of the static magnetic field B0, and patient safety issues related to implants and local RF power deposition. However, as research institutions and vendors continue to innovate, the potential gains are beginning to be realized. Solutions overcoming the unique challenges associated with imaging the human torso are reviewed as are current studies capitalizing on the benefits of UHF in several anatomies and applications. As the field progresses, strategies associated with the RF system architecture, calibration methods, RF pulse optimization, and power monitoring need to be further integrated into the MRI systems making what are currently complex processes more streamlined. Meanwhile, the UHF MRI community must seize the opportunity to build upon what have been so far proof of principle and feasibility studies and begin to further explore the true impact in both research and the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Arcan Erturk
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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Niendorf T, Schulz-Menger J, Paul K, Huelnhagen T, Ferrari VA, Hodge R. High Field Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case for Ultrahigh Field Cardiac Magnetic Resonance. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 10:CIRCIMAGING.116.005460. [PMID: 28611118 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.116.005460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thoralf Niendorf
- From the Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility, Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (T.N., K.P., T.H., R.H.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin (T.N., J.S.-M.); Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (J.S.-M.); Department for Cardiology and Nephrology, HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Germany (J.S.-M.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (V.A.F.).
| | - Jeanette Schulz-Menger
- From the Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility, Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (T.N., K.P., T.H., R.H.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin (T.N., J.S.-M.); Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (J.S.-M.); Department for Cardiology and Nephrology, HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Germany (J.S.-M.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (V.A.F.)
| | - Katharina Paul
- From the Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility, Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (T.N., K.P., T.H., R.H.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin (T.N., J.S.-M.); Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (J.S.-M.); Department for Cardiology and Nephrology, HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Germany (J.S.-M.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (V.A.F.)
| | - Till Huelnhagen
- From the Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility, Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (T.N., K.P., T.H., R.H.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin (T.N., J.S.-M.); Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (J.S.-M.); Department for Cardiology and Nephrology, HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Germany (J.S.-M.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (V.A.F.)
| | - Victor A Ferrari
- From the Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility, Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (T.N., K.P., T.H., R.H.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin (T.N., J.S.-M.); Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (J.S.-M.); Department for Cardiology and Nephrology, HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Germany (J.S.-M.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (V.A.F.)
| | - Russell Hodge
- From the Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility, Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (T.N., K.P., T.H., R.H.); DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin (T.N., J.S.-M.); Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (J.S.-M.); Department for Cardiology and Nephrology, HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Germany (J.S.-M.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (V.A.F.)
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Rietsch SHG, Orzada S, Maderwald S, Brunheim S, Philips BWJ, Scheenen TWJ, Ladd ME, Quick HH. 7T ultra-high field body MR imaging with an 8-channel transmit/32-channel receive radiofrequency coil array. Med Phys 2018; 45:2978-2990. [PMID: 29679498 DOI: 10.1002/mp.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this work, a combined body coil array with eight transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) meander elements and with 24 receive-only (Rx) loops (8Tx/32Rx) was developed and evaluated in comparison with an 8-channel transmit/receive body array (8Tx/Rx) based on meander elements serving as the reference standard. METHODS Systematic evaluation of the RF array was performed on a body-sized phantom. Body imaging at 7T was performed in six volunteers in the body regions pelvis, abdomen, and heart. Coil characteristics such as signal-to-noise ratio, acceleration capability, g-factors, S-parameters, noise correlation, and B1+ maps were assessed. Safety was ensured by numerical simulations using a coil model validated by dosimetric field measurements. RESULTS Meander elements and loops are intrinsically well decoupled with a maximum coupling value of -20.5 dB. Safe use of the 8Tx/32Rx array could be demonstrated. High gain in signal-to-noise ratio (33% in the subject's center) could be shown for the 8Tx/32Rx array compared to the 8Tx/Rx array. Improvement in acceleration capability in all investigations could be demonstrated. For example, the 8Tx/32Rx array provides lower g-factors in the right-left and anterior-posterior directions with R = 3 undersampling as compared to the 8Tx/Rx array using R = 2. Both arrays are very similar regarding their RF transmit performance. Excellent image quality in the investigated body regions could be achieved with the 8Tx/32Rx array. CONCLUSION In this work, we show that a combination of eight meander elements and 24 loop receive elements is possible without impeding transmit performance. Improved SNR and g-factor performance compared to an RF array without these loops is demonstrated. Body MRI at 7T with the 8Tx/32Rx array could be accomplished in the heart, abdomen, and pelvis with excellent image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan H G Rietsch
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany.,High Field and Hybrid MR Imaging, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Stephan Orzada
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Maderwald
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunheim
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany.,High Field and Hybrid MR Imaging, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Bart W J Philips
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical Center, Radboud University, 6525GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom W J Scheenen
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical Center, Radboud University, 6525GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark E Ladd
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany.,Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Physics and Astronomy and Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Harald H Quick
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany.,High Field and Hybrid MR Imaging, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
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18
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An 8-channel Tx/Rx dipole array combined with 16 Rx loops for high-resolution functional cardiac imaging at 7 T. MAGNETIC RESONANCE MATERIALS IN PHYSICS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2017; 31:7-18. [PMID: 29177772 PMCID: PMC5813068 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-017-0665-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To demonstrate imaging performance for cardiac MR imaging at 7 T using a coil array of 8 transmit/receive dipole antennas and 16 receive loops. Materials and methods An 8-channel dipole array was extended by adding 16 receive-only loops. Average power constraints were determined by electromagnetic simulations. Cine imaging was performed on eight healthy subjects. Geometrical factor (g-factor) maps were calculated to assess acceleration performance. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)-scaled images were reconstructed for different combinations of receive channels, to demonstrate the SNR benefits of combining loops and dipoles. Results The overall image quality of the cardiac functional images was rated a 2.6 on a 4-point scale by two experienced radiologists. Imaging results at different acceleration factors demonstrate that acceleration factors up to 6 could be obtained while keeping the average g-factor below 1.27. SNR maps demonstrate that combining loops and dipoles provides a more than 50% enhancement of the SNR in the heart, compared to a situation where only loops or dipoles are used. Conclusion This work demonstrates the performance of a combined loop/dipole array for cardiac imaging at 7 T. With this array, acceleration factors of 6 are possible without increasing the average g-factor in the heart beyond 1.27. Combining loops and dipoles in receive mode enhances the SNR compared to receiving with loops or dipoles only. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10334-017-0665-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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19
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Niendorf T, Paul K, Oezerdem C, Graessl A, Klix S, Huelnhagen T, Hezel F, Rieger J, Waiczies H, Frahm J, Nagel AM, Oberacker E, Winter L. W(h)ither human cardiac and body magnetic resonance at ultrahigh fields? technical advances, practical considerations, applications, and clinical opportunities. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2016; 29:1173-97. [PMID: 25706103 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to document and review advances and groundbreaking progress in cardiac and body MR at ultrahigh fields (UHF, B0 ≥ 7.0 T) with the goal to attract talent, clinical adopters, collaborations and resources to the biomedical and diagnostic imaging communities. This review surveys traits, advantages and challenges of cardiac and body MR at 7.0 T. The considerations run the gamut from technical advances to clinical opportunities. Key concepts, emerging technologies, practical considerations, frontier applications and future directions of UHF body and cardiac MR are provided. Examples of UHF cardiac and body imaging strategies are demonstrated. Their added value over the kindred counterparts at lower fields is explored along with an outline of research promises. The achievements of cardiac and body UHF-MR are powerful motivators and enablers, since extra speed, signal and imaging capabilities may be invested to overcome the fundamental constraints that continue to hamper traditional cardiac and body MR applications. If practical obstacles, concomitant physics effects and technical impediments can be overcome in equal measure, sophisticated cardiac and body UHF-MR will help to open the door to new MRI and MRS approaches for basic research and clinical science, with the lessons learned at 7.0 T being transferred into broad clinical use including diagnostics and therapy guiding at lower fields. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thoralf Niendorf
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Paul
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Celal Oezerdem
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Graessl
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Klix
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Till Huelnhagen
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Hezel
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Jens Frahm
- Biomedizinische NMR Forschungs GmbH, am Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Armin M Nagel
- Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Oberacker
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Winter
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Rietsch SHG, Quick HH, Orzada S. Impact of different meander sizes on the RF transmit performance and coupling of microstrip line elements at 7 T. Med Phys 2016; 42:4542-52. [PMID: 26233183 DOI: 10.1118/1.4923177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this work, the transmit performance and interelement coupling characteristics of radio frequency (RF) antenna microstrip line elements are examined in simulations and measurements. METHODS The initial point of the simulations is a microstrip line element loaded with a phantom. Meander structures are then introduced at the end of the element. The size of the meanders is increased in fixed steps and the magnetic field is optimized. In continuative simulations, the coupling between identical elements is evaluated for different element spacing and loading conditions. Verification of the simulation results is accomplished in measurements of the coupling between two identical elements for four different meander sizes. Image acquisition on a 7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system provides qualitative and quantitative comparisons to confirm the simulation results. RESULTS Simulations point out an optimum range of meander sizes concerning coupling in all chosen geometric setups. Coupling measurement results are in good agreement with the simulations. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the acquired MRI images substantiate the coupling results. CONCLUSIONS The coupling between coil elements in RF antenna arrays consisting of the investigated element types can be optimized under consideration of the central magnetic field strength or efficiency depending on the desired application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan H G Rietsch
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45141, Germany and High Field and Hybrid MR Imaging, University Hospital Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Harald H Quick
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45141, Germany and High Field and Hybrid MR Imaging, University Hospital Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Stephan Orzada
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45141, Germany
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Electrodynamics and radiofrequency antenna concepts for human magnetic resonance at 23.5 T (1 GHz) and beyond. MAGNETIC RESONANCE MATERIALS IN PHYSICS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 29:641-56. [PMID: 27097905 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-016-0559-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work investigates electrodynamic constraints, explores RF antenna concepts and examines the transmission fields (B 1 (+) ) and RF power deposition of dipole antenna arrays for (1)H magnetic resonance of the human brain at 1 GHz (23.5 T). MATERIALS AND METHODS Electromagnetic field (EMF) simulations are performed in phantoms with average tissue simulants for dipole antennae using discrete frequencies [300 MHz (7.0 T) to 3 GHz (70.0 T)]. To advance to a human setup EMF simulations are conducted in anatomical human voxel models of the human head using a 20-element dipole array operating at 1 GHz. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that transmission fields suitable for (1)H MR of the human brain can be achieved at 1 GHz. An increase in transmit channel density around the human head helps to enhance B 1 (+) in the center of the brain. The calculated relative increase in specific absorption rate at 23.5 versus 7.0 T was below 1.4 (in-phase phase setting) and 2.7 (circular polarized phase setting) for the dipole antennae array. CONCLUSION The benefits of multi-channel dipole antennae at higher frequencies render MR at 23.5 T feasible from an electrodynamic standpoint. This very preliminary finding opens the door on further explorations that might be catalyzed into a 20-T class human MR system.
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Klix S, Els A, Paul K, Graessl A, Oezerdem C, Weinberger O, Winter L, Thalhammer C, Huelnhagen T, Rieger J, Mehling H, Schulz-Menger J, Niendorf T. On the subjective acceptance during cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging at 7.0 Tesla. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2015. [PMCID: PMC4328605 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-17-s1-p13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Retrospectively-gated CINE 23Na imaging of the heart at 7.0 Tesla using density-adapted 3D projection reconstruction. Magn Reson Imaging 2015; 33:1091-1097. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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24
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Graessl A, Ruehle A, Waiczies H, Resetar A, Hoffmann SH, Rieger J, Wetterling F, Winter L, Nagel AM, Niendorf T. Sodium MRI of the human heart at 7.0 T: preliminary results. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2015; 28:967-975. [PMID: 26082025 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to examine the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) and whole heart coverage (23)Na cardiac MRI at 7.0 T including single-cardiac-phase and cinematic (cine) regimes. A four-channel transceiver RF coil array tailored for (23)Na MRI of the heart at 7.0 T (f = 78.5 MHz) is proposed. An integrated bow-tie antenna building block is used for (1)H MR to support shimming, localization and planning in a clinical workflow. Signal absorption rate simulations and assessment of RF power deposition were performed to meet the RF safety requirements. (23) Na cardiac MR was conducted in an in vivo feasibility study. 3D gradient echo (GRE) imaging in conjunction with Cartesian phase encoding (total acquisition time T(AQ) = 6 min 16 s) and whole heart coverage imaging employing a density-adapted 3D radial acquisition technique (T(AQ) = 18 min 20 s) were used. For 3D GRE-based (23)Na MRI, acquisition of standard views of the heart using a nominal in-plane resolution of (5.0 × 5.0) mm(2) and a slice thickness of 15 mm were feasible. For whole heart coverage 3D density-adapted radial (23)Na acquisitions a nominal isotropic spatial resolution of 6 mm was accomplished. This improvement versus 3D conventional GRE acquisitions reduced partial volume effects along the slice direction and enabled retrospective image reconstruction of standard or arbitrary views of the heart. Sodium cine imaging capabilities were achieved with the proposed RF coil configuration in conjunction with 3D radial acquisitions and cardiac gating. Cardiac-gated reconstruction provided an enhancement in blood-myocardium contrast of 20% versus the same data reconstructed without cardiac gating. The proposed transceiver array enables (23)Na MR of the human heart at 7.0 T within clinical acceptable scan times. This capability is in positive alignment with the needs of explorations that are designed to examine the potential of (23)Na MRI for the assessment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Graessl
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anjuli Ruehle
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ana Resetar
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan H Hoffmann
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Lukas Winter
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Armin M Nagel
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thoralf Niendorf
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (BUFF), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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25
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Oezerdem C, Winter L, Graessl A, Paul K, Els A, Weinberger O, Rieger J, Kuehne A, Dieringer M, Hezel F, Voit D, Frahm J, Niendorf T. 16-channel bow tie antenna transceiver array for cardiac MR at 7.0 tesla. Magn Reson Med 2015; 75:2553-65. [PMID: 26183320 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To design, evaluate, and apply a bow tie antenna transceiver radiofrequency (RF) coil array tailored for cardiac MRI at 7.0 Tesla (T). METHODS The radiofrequency (RF) coil array comprises 16 building blocks each containing a bow tie shaped λ/2-dipole antenna. Numerical simulations were used for transmission field homogenization and RF safety validation. RF characteristics were examined in a phantom study. The array's suitability for high spatial resolution two-dimensional (2D) CINE imaging and for real time imaging of the heart was examined in a volunteer study. RESULTS The arrays transmission fields and RF characteristics are suitable for cardiac MRI at 7.0T. The coil performance afforded a spatial resolution as good as (0.8 × 0.8 × 2.5) mm(3) for segmented 2D CINE MRI at 7.0T which is by a factor of 12 superior versus standardized protocols used in clinical practice at 1.5T. The proposed transceiver array supports 1D acceleration factors of up to R = 6 without impairing image quality significantly. CONCLUSION The 16-channel bow tie antenna transceiver array supports accelerated and high spatial resolution cardiac MRI. The array is compatible with multichannel transmission and provides a technological basis for future clinical assessment of parallel transmission techniques at 7.0 Tesla. Magn Reson Med 75:2553-2565, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celal Oezerdem
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Winter
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Graessl
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Paul
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Els
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Weinberger
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Matthias Dieringer
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Hezel
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dirk Voit
- Biomedizinische NMR Forschungs GmbH am Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Frahm
- Biomedizinische NMR Forschungs GmbH am Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thoralf Niendorf
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
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26
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Eryaman Y, Guerin B, Akgun C, Herraiz JL, Martin A, Torrado-Carvajal A, Malpica N, Hernandez-Tamames JA, Schiavi E, Adalsteinsson E, Wald LL. Parallel transmit pulse design for patients with deep brain stimulation implants. Magn Reson Med 2015; 73:1896-903. [PMID: 24947104 PMCID: PMC4760103 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Specific absorption rate (SAR) amplification around active implantable medical devices during diagnostic MRI procedures poses a potential risk for patient safety. In this study, we present a parallel transmit (pTx) strategy that can be used to safely scan patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants. METHODS We performed electromagnetic simulations at 3T using a uniform phantom and a multitissue realistic head model with a generic DBS implant. Our strategy is based on using implant-friendly modes, which are defined as the modes of an array that reduce the local SAR around the DBS lead tip. These modes are used in a spokes pulse design algorithm in order to produce highly uniform magnitude least-squares flip angle excitations. RESULTS Local SAR (1 g) at the lead tip is reduced below 0.1 W/kg compared with 31.2 W/kg, which is obtained by a simple quadrature birdcage excitation without any sort of SAR mitigation. For the multitissue realistic head model, peak 10 g local SAR and global SAR are obtained as 4.52 W/kg and 0.48 W/kg, respectively. A uniform axial flip angle is also obtained (NRMSE <3%). CONCLUSION Parallel transmit arrays can be used to generate implant-friendly modes and to reduce SAR around DBS implants while constraining peak local SAR and global SAR and maximizing flip angle homogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yigitcan Eryaman
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Dept. of Radiology, MGH, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid Spain
| | - Bastien Guerin
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Dept. of Radiology, MGH, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Can Akgun
- Invenshure,Minneapolis,United States
| | - Joaquin L. Herraiz
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid Spain
| | - Adrian Martin
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid Spain
- Dept. of Applied Mathematics. Rey Juan Carlos University. Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Torrado-Carvajal
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid Spain
- Dept. of Electronic Technology. Rey Juan Carlos University. Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Norberto Malpica
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid Spain
- Dept. of Electronic Technology. Rey Juan Carlos University. Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A. Hernandez-Tamames
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid Spain
- Dept. of Electronic Technology. Rey Juan Carlos University. Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emanuele Schiavi
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid Spain
- Dept. of Applied Mathematics. Rey Juan Carlos University. Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elfar Adalsteinsson
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid Spain
- Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence L. Wald
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Dept. of Radiology, MGH, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States
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27
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Eryaman Y, Guerin B, Keil B, Mareyam A, Herraiz JL, Kosior RK, Martin A, Torrado-Carvajal A, Malpica N, Hernandez-Tamames JA, Schiavi E, Adalsteinsson E, Wald LL. SAR reduction in 7T C-spine imaging using a "dark modes" transmit array strategy. Magn Reson Med 2015; 73:1533-9. [PMID: 24753012 PMCID: PMC4761435 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Local specific absorption rate (SAR) limits many applications of parallel transmit (pTx) in ultra high-field imaging. In this Note, we introduce the use of an array element, which is intentionally inefficient at generating spin excitation (a "dark mode") to attempt a partial cancellation of the electric field from those elements that do generate excitation. We show that adding dipole elements oriented orthogonal to their conventional orientation to a linear array of conventional loop elements can lower the local SAR hotspot in a C-spine array at 7 T. METHODS We model electromagnetic fields in a head/torso model to calculate SAR and excitation B1 (+) patterns generated by conventional loop arrays and loop arrays with added electric dipole elements. We utilize the dark modes that are generated by the intentional and inefficient orientation of dipole elements in order to reduce peak 10g local SAR while maintaining excitation fidelity. RESULTS For B1 (+) shimming in the spine, the addition of dipole elements did not significantly alter the B1 (+) spatial pattern but reduced local SAR by 36%. CONCLUSION The dipole elements provide a sufficiently complimentary B1 (+) and electric field pattern to the loop array that can be exploited by the radiofrequency shimming algorithm to reduce local SAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yigitcan Eryaman
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence to: Yigitcan Eryaman, Ph.D., Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139.
| | - Bastien Guerin
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Boris Keil
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Azma Mareyam
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joaquin L. Herraiz
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid, Spain
| | - Robert K. Kosior
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Adrian Martin
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Rey Juan Carlos University, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Torrado-Carvajal
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Electronic Technology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Norberto Malpica
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Electronic Technology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A. Hernandez-Tamames
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Electronic Technology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emanuele Schiavi
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Rey Juan Carlos University, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elfar Adalsteinsson
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lawrence L. Wald
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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28
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Klix S, Els A, Paul K, Graessl A, Oezerdem C, Weinberger O, Winter L, Thalhammer C, Huelnhagen T, Rieger J, Mehling H, Schulz-Menger J, Niendorf T. On the subjective acceptance during cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging at 7.0 Tesla. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117095. [PMID: 25621491 PMCID: PMC4306482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examines the subjective acceptance during UHF-CMR in a cohort of healthy volunteers who underwent a cardiac MR examination at 7.0T. METHODS Within a period of two-and-a-half years (January 2012 to June 2014) a total of 165 healthy volunteers (41 female, 124 male) without any known history of cardiac disease underwent UHF-CMR. For the assessment of the subjective acceptance a questionnaire was used to examine the participants experience prior, during and after the UHF-CMR examination. For this purpose, subjects were asked to respond to the questionnaire in an exit interview held immediately after the completion of the UHF-CMR examination under supervision of a study nurse to ensure accurate understanding of the questions. All questions were answered with "yes" or "no" including space for additional comments. RESULTS Transient muscular contraction was documented in 12.7% of the questionnaires. Muscular contraction was reported to occur only during periods of scanning with the magnetic field gradients being rapidly switched. Dizziness during the study was reported by 12.7% of the subjects. Taste of metal was reported by 10.1% of the study population. Light flashes were reported by 3.6% of the entire cohort. 13% of the subjects reported side effects/observations which were not explicitly listed in the questionnaire but covered by the question about other side effects. No severe side effects as vomiting or syncope after scanning occurred. No increase in heart rate was observed during the UHF-CMR exam versus the baseline clinical examination. CONCLUSIONS This study adds to the literature by detailing the subjective acceptance of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging examinations at a magnetic field strength of 7.0T. Cardiac MR examinations at 7.0T are well tolerated by healthy subjects. Broader observational and multi-center studies including patient cohorts with cardiac diseases are required to gain further insights into the subjective acceptance of UHF-CMR examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Klix
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Els
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Paul
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Graessl
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Celal Oezerdem
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Weinberger
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Winter
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christof Thalhammer
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Till Huelnhagen
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Rieger
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heidrun Mehling
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jeanette Schulz-Menger
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- HELIOS Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Dept. of Cardiology and Nephrology, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thoralf Niendorf
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint cooperation between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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29
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Niendorf T, Pohlmann A, Arakelyan K, Flemming B, Cantow K, Hentschel J, Grosenick D, Ladwig M, Reimann H, Klix S, Waiczies S, Seeliger E. How bold is blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging of the kidney? Opportunities, challenges and future directions. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2015; 213:19-38. [PMID: 25204811 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Renal tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia are key elements in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury and its progression to chronic kidney disease. Yet, in vivo assessment of renal haemodynamics and tissue oxygenation remains a challenge. Many of the established approaches are invasive, hence not applicable in humans. Blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers an alternative. BOLD-MRI is non-invasive and indicative of renal tissue oxygenation. Nonetheless, recent (pre-) clinical studies revived the question as to how bold renal BOLD-MRI really is. This review aimed to deliver some answers. It is designed to inspire the renal physiology, nephrology and imaging communities to foster explorations into the assessment of renal oxygenation and haemodynamics by exploiting the powers of MRI. For this purpose, the specifics of renal oxygenation and perfusion are outlined. The fundamentals of BOLD-MRI are summarized. The link between tissue oxygenation and the oxygenation-sensitive MR biomarker T2∗ is outlined. The merits and limitations of renal BOLD-MRI in animal and human studies are surveyed together with their clinical implications. Explorations into detailing the relation between renal T2∗ and renal tissue partial pressure of oxygen (pO2 ) are discussed with a focus on factors confounding the T2∗ vs. tissue pO2 relation. Multi-modality in vivo approaches suitable for detailing the role of the confounding factors that govern T2∗ are considered. A schematic approach describing the link between renal perfusion, oxygenation, tissue compartments and renal T2∗ is proposed. Future directions of MRI assessment of renal oxygenation and perfusion are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Niendorf
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine; Berlin Germany
| | - A. Pohlmann
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine; Berlin Germany
| | - K. Arakelyan
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine; Berlin Germany
- Institute of Physiology and Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - B. Flemming
- Institute of Physiology and Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - K. Cantow
- Institute of Physiology and Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - J. Hentschel
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine; Berlin Germany
| | - D. Grosenick
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB); Berlin Germany
| | - M. Ladwig
- Institute of Physiology and Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - H. Reimann
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine; Berlin Germany
| | - S. Klix
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine; Berlin Germany
| | - S. Waiczies
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine; Berlin Germany
| | - E. Seeliger
- Institute of Physiology and Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
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30
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Linz P, Santoro D, Renz W, Rieger J, Ruehle A, Ruff J, Deimling M, Rakova N, Muller DN, Luft FC, Titze J, Niendorf T. Skin sodium measured with ²³Na MRI at 7.0 T. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2015; 28:54-62. [PMID: 25328128 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Skin sodium (Na(+) ) storage, as a physiologically important regulatory mechanism for blood pressure, volume regulation and, indeed, survival, has recently been rediscovered. This has prompted the development of MRI methods to assess Na(+) storage in humans ((23) Na MRI) at 3.0 T. This work examines the feasibility of high in-plane spatial resolution (23) Na MRI in skin at 7.0 T. A two-channel transceiver radiofrequency (RF) coil array tailored for skin MRI at 7.0 T (f = 78.5 MHz) is proposed. Specific absorption rate (SAR) simulations and a thorough assessment of RF power deposition were performed to meet the safety requirements. Human skin was examined in an in vivo feasibility study using two-dimensional gradient echo imaging. Normal male adult volunteers (n = 17; mean ± standard deviation, 46 ± 18 years; range, 20-79 years) were investigated. Transverse slices of the calf were imaged with (23) Na MRI using a high in-plane resolution of 0.9 × 0.9 mm(2) . Skin Na(+) content was determined using external agarose standards covering a physiological range of Na(+) concentrations. To assess the intra-subject reproducibility, each volunteer was examined three to five times with each session including a 5-min walk and repositioning/preparation of the subject. The age dependence of skin Na(+) content was investigated. The (23) Na RF coil provides improved sensitivity within a range of 1 cm from its surface versus a volume RF coil which facilitates high in-plane spatial resolution imaging of human skin. Intra-subject variability of human skin Na(+) content in the volunteer population was <10.3%. An age-dependent increase in skin Na(+) content was observed (r = 0.78). The assignment of Na(+) stores with (23) Na MRI techniques could be improved at 7.0 T compared with current 3.0 T technology. The benefits of such improvements may have the potential to aid basic research and clinical applications designed to unlock questions regarding the Na(+) balance and Na(+) storage function of skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Linz
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
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31
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Goluch S, Kuehne A, Meyerspeer M, Kriegl R, Schmid AI, Fiedler GB, Herrmann T, Mallow J, Hong SM, Cho ZH, Bernarding J, Moser E, Laistler E. A form-fitted three channel (31) P, two channel (1) H transceiver coil array for calf muscle studies at 7 T. Magn Reson Med 2014; 73:2376-89. [PMID: 25046817 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To enhance sensitivity and coverage for calf muscle studies, a novel, form-fitted, three-channel phosphorus-31 ((31) P), two-channel proton ((1) H) transceiver coil array for 7 T MR imaging and spectroscopy is presented. METHODS Electromagnetic simulations employing individually generated voxel models were performed to design a coil array for studying nonpathological muscle metabolism. Static phase combinations of the coil elements' transmit fields were optimized based on homogeneity and efficiency for several voxel models. The best-performing design was built and tested both on phantoms and in vivo. RESULTS Simulations revealed that a shared conductor array for (31) P provides more robust interelement decoupling and better homogeneity than an overlap array in this configuration. A static B1 (+) shim setting that suited various calf anatomies was identified and implemented. Simulations showed that the (31) P array provides signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) benefits over a single loop and a birdcage coil of equal radius by factors of 3.2 and 2.6 in the gastrocnemius and by 2.5 and 2.0 in the soleus muscle. CONCLUSION The performance of the coil in terms of B1 (+) and achievable SNR allows for spatially localized dynamic (31) P spectroscopy studies in the human calf. The associated higher specificity with respect to nonlocalized measurements permits distinguishing the functional responses of different muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrun Goluch
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,MR Centre of Excellence, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andre Kuehne
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,MR Centre of Excellence, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Meyerspeer
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,MR Centre of Excellence, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roberta Kriegl
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,MR Centre of Excellence, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,IR4M (Imagerie par Résonance Magnétique Médicale et Multi-Modalités), UMR808, Université Paris Sud-CNRS, Orsay, France
| | - Albrecht I Schmid
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,MR Centre of Excellence, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg B Fiedler
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,MR Centre of Excellence, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tim Herrmann
- Department of Biometrics and Medicine Informatics, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Mallow
- Department of Biometrics and Medicine Informatics, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Suk-Min Hong
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Zang-Hee Cho
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Johannes Bernarding
- Department of Biometrics and Medicine Informatics, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ewald Moser
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,MR Centre of Excellence, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elmar Laistler
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,MR Centre of Excellence, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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32
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Eryaman Y, Guerin B, Akgun C, Herraiz JL, Martin A, Torrado-Carvajal A, Malpica N, Hernandez-Tamames JA, Schiavi E, Adalsteinsson E, Wald LL. Parallel transmit pulse design for patients with deep brain stimulation implants. Magn Reson Med 2014. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/mrm.25324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yigitcan Eryaman
- Research Laboratory of Electronics; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Charlestown Massachusetts USA
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
| | - Bastien Guerin
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Charlestown Massachusetts USA
| | - Can Akgun
- Invenshure; Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - Joaquin L. Herraiz
- Research Laboratory of Electronics; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
| | - Adrian Martin
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Applied Mathematics; Rey Juan Carlos University; Móstoles Madrid Spain
| | - Angel Torrado-Carvajal
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Electronic Technology; Rey Juan Carlos University; Móstoles Madrid Spain
| | - Norberto Malpica
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Electronic Technology; Rey Juan Carlos University; Móstoles Madrid Spain
| | - Juan A. Hernandez-Tamames
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Electronic Technology; Rey Juan Carlos University; Móstoles Madrid Spain
| | - Emanuele Schiavi
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Applied Mathematics; Rey Juan Carlos University; Móstoles Madrid Spain
| | - Elfar Adalsteinsson
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Science; MIT Cambridge Massachusetts USA
| | - Lawrence L. Wald
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Charlestown Massachusetts USA
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
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33
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Eryaman Y, Guerin B, Keil B, Mareyam A, Herraiz JL, Kosior RK, Martin A, Torrado-Carvajal A, Malpica N, Hernandez-Tamames JA, Schiavi E, Adalsteinsson E, Wald LL. SAR reduction in 7T C-spine imaging using a “dark modes” transmit array strategy. Magn Reson Med 2014. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/mrm.25246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yigitcan Eryaman
- Research Laboratory of Electronics; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Charlestown Massachusetts USA
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
| | - Bastien Guerin
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Charlestown Massachusetts USA
| | - Boris Keil
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Charlestown Massachusetts USA
- Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Azma Mareyam
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Charlestown Massachusetts USA
| | - Joaquin L. Herraiz
- Research Laboratory of Electronics; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
| | - Robert K. Kosior
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Faculty of Medicine; University of Calgary; Calgary Canada
| | - Adrian Martin
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Applied Mathematics; Rey Juan Carlos University; Móstoles Madrid Spain
| | - Angel Torrado-Carvajal
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Electronic Technology; Rey Juan Carlos University; Móstoles Madrid Spain
| | - Norberto Malpica
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Electronic Technology; Rey Juan Carlos University; Móstoles Madrid Spain
| | - Juan A. Hernandez-Tamames
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Electronic Technology; Rey Juan Carlos University; Móstoles Madrid Spain
| | - Emanuele Schiavi
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Applied Mathematics; Rey Juan Carlos University; Móstoles Madrid Spain
| | - Elfar Adalsteinsson
- Madrid-MIT M+ Vision Consortium; Madrid Spain
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Science; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
| | - Lawrence L. Wald
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Charlestown Massachusetts USA
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
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Niendorf T, Schulz-Menger J. [Cardiovascular ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging : challenges, technical solutions and opportunities]. Radiologe 2014; 53:422-8. [PMID: 23613023 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-012-2348-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE This involves high spatial resolution cardiac imaging with ultrahigh magnetic fields (7 T) and clinically acceptable image quality. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a field strength of 1.5 T using a spatial resolution of (2 × 2 × 6-8) mm(3). METHODICAL INNOVATIONS Cardiac MRI at ultrahigh field strength makes use of multitransmit/receive radiofrequency (RF) technology and development of novel technology that utilizes the traits of ultrahigh field MRI. PERFORMANCE Enhanced spatial resolution which is superior by a factor of 6-10 to what can be achieved by current clinical cardiac MRI. The relative spatial resolution (pixels per anatomical structure) comes close to what can be accomplished by current cardiac MRI in small rodents. ACHIEVEMENTS Feasibility studies demonstrate the gain in spatial resolution at 7.0 T due to the sensitivity advantage inherent to ultrahigh magnetic fields. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS Please stay tuned and please put further weight behind the solution of the remaining technical problems of cardiac MRI at 7.0 T.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Niendorf
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrück Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Deutschland.
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Graessl A, Renz W, Hezel F, Dieringer MA, Winter L, Oezerdem C, Rieger J, Kellman P, Santoro D, Lindel TD, Frauenrath T, Pfeiffer H, Niendorf T. Modular 32-channel transceiver coil array for cardiac MRI at 7.0T. Magn Reson Med 2013; 72:276-90. [PMID: 23904404 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.24903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To design and evaluate a modular transceiver coil array with 32 independent channels for cardiac MRI at 7.0T. METHODS The modular coil array comprises eight independent building blocks, each containing four transceiver loop elements. Numerical simulations were used for B1 (+) field homogenization and radiofrequency (RF) safety validation. RF characteristics were examined in a phantom study. The array's suitability for accelerated high spatial resolution two-dimensional (2D) FLASH CINE imaging of the heart was examined in a volunteer study. RESULTS Transmission field adjustments and RF characteristics were found to be suitable for the volunteer study. The signal-to-noise intrinsic to 7.0T together with the coil performance afforded a spatial resolution of 1.1 × 1.1 × 2.5 mm(3) for 2D CINE FLASH MRI, which is by a factor of 6 superior to standardized CINE protocols used in clinical practice at 1.5T. The 32-channel transceiver array supports one-dimensional acceleration factors of up to R = 4 without impairing image quality significantly. CONCLUSION The modular 32-channel transceiver cardiac array supports accelerated and high spatial resolution cardiac MRI. The array is compatible with multichannel transmission and provides a technological basis for future clinical assessment of parallel transmission techniques at 7.0T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Graessl
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Comparison of three multichannel transmit/receive radiofrequency coil configurations for anatomic and functional cardiac MRI at 7.0T: implications for clinical imaging. Eur Radiol 2012; 22:2211-20. [PMID: 22653280 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-012-2487-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To implement, examine, and compare three multichannel transmit/receive coil configurations for cardiovascular MR (CMR) at 7T. METHODS Three radiofrequency transmit-receive (TX/RX) coils with 4-, 8-, and 16-coil elements were used. Ten healthy volunteers (seven males, age 28 ± 4 years) underwent CMR at 7T. For all three RX/TX coils, 2D CINE FLASH images of the heart were acquired. Cardiac chamber quantification, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) analysis, parallel imaging performance assessment, and image quality scoring were performed. RESULTS Mean total examination time was 29 ± 5 min. All images obtained with the 8- and 16-channel coils were diagnostic. No significant difference in ejection fraction (EF) (P > 0.09) or left ventricular mass (LVM) (P > 0.31) was observed between the coils. The 8- and 16-channel arrays yielded a higher mean SNR in the septum versus the 4-channel coil. The lowest geometry factors were found for the 16-channel coil (mean ± SD 2.3 ± 0.5 for R = 4). Image quality was rated significantly higher (P < 0.04) for the 16-channel coil versus the 8- and 4-channel coils. CONCLUSIONS All three coil configurations are suitable for CMR at 7.0T under routine circumstances. A larger number of coil elements enhances image quality and parallel imaging performance but does not impact the accuracy of cardiac chamber quantification. KEY POINTS • Cardiac chamber quantification using 7.0T magnetic resonance imaging is feasible. • Examination times for cardiac chamber quantification at 7.0T match current clinical practice. • Multichannel transceiver RF technology facilitates improved image quality and parallel imaging performance. • Increasing the number of RF channels does not influence cardiac chamber quantification.
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