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Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine

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Open Access 01-02-2018 | Research Article

An 8-channel Tx/Rx dipole array combined with 16 Rx loops for high-resolution functional cardiac imaging at 7 T

Authors: Bart R. Steensma, Ingmar J. Voogt, Tim Leiner, Peter R. Luijten, Jesse Habets, Dennis W. J. Klomp, Cornelis A. T. van den Berg, Alexander J. E. Raaijmakers

Published in: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine | Issue 1/2018

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.

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Title: An 8-channel Tx/Rx dipole array combined with 16 Rx loops for high-resolution functional cardiac imaging at 7 T
Authors: Bart R. Steensma
Ingmar J. Voogt
Tim Leiner
Peter R. Luijten
Jesse Habets
Dennis W. J. Klomp
Cornelis A. T. van den Berg
Alexander J. E. Raaijmakers
Publication date: 01-02-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 0968-5243
Electronic ISSN: 1352-8661
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-017-0665-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

An 8-channel Tx/Rx dipole array combined with 16 Rx loops for high-resolution functional cardiac imaging at 7 T

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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