Edward B. Welch PhD, Presenter: Employee, Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV

Jeffrey Lee Creasy MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Robin Avison RT, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Adam W. Anderson, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Malcolm Avison PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

John C. Gore PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Development of a SENSE capable head coil for imaging at 7T theoretically will allow improvements in imaging time, slice thickness, and number of slices obtainable in equivalent amounts of time - or in shorter scan times. The purpose of this study is to compare imaging sequence parameters and the resulting images obtained between the 16 channel SENSE head coil and a volume T/R head coil.

A total of 12 individual scans have been performed on the 16 channel coil. Imaging sequences used included 3D T1W turbo field echo (TFE), turbo spin echo (TSE), multi-slice gradient and spin echo (GRASE), and 3D susceptibility weighted fast field echo (FFE), echo-planar (EPI), TE>TR imaging (PRESTO), single voxel spectroscopy, and chemical shift imaging (CSI)

The 16 channel head coil easily allows for SENSE acceleration factors of 2-3 or even higher with little decrease in image quality. Without decreasing the scan time, the acceleration can also be used effectively to increase slice coverage or increase resolution. Furthermore, the SENSE reconstruction algorithm helps compensate for the image inhomogeneity commonplace at 7T.

The 16 channel SENSE head coil improves imaging at 7T, especially with the inherent greater limitations in SAR seen at 7T with respect to lower field systems.

Routine use of the SENSE technology at 7T will expand and expedite the clinical and research utility of high field imaging.

Welch, E, Creasy, J, Avison, R, Anderson, A, Avison, M, Gore, J, Comparison of 16 channel SENSE and Volume T/R Head Coils for Human Brain Imaging at 7 Tesla.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5009741.html