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

PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to evaluate a new eight-channel transceiver (TxRx) coaxial dipole array for imaging of the human head at 9.4T developed to improve specific absorption rate (SAR) performance, and provide for a more compact and robust alternative to the state-of-the art dipole arrays. METHODS: First, the geometry of a single coaxial element was optimized to minimize peak SAR and sensitivity to the load variation. Next, a multi-tissue voxel model was used to numerically simulate a TxRx array coil that consisted of eight coaxial dipoles with the optimal configuration. Finally, we compared the developed array to other human head dipole arrays. Results of numerical simulations were verified on a bench and in the scanner including in vivo measurements on a healthy volunteer. RESULTS: The developed eight-element coaxial dipole TxRx array coil showed up to 1.1times higher SAR-efficiency than a similar in geometry folded-end and fractionated dipole array while maintaining whole brain coverage and low sensitivity of the resonance frequency to variation in the head size. CONCLUSION: As a proof of concept, we developed and constructed a prototype of a 9.4T (400 MHz) human head array consisting of eight TxRx coaxial dipoles. The developed array improved SAR-efficiency and provided for a more compact and robust alternative to the folded-end dipole design. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of using coaxial dipoles for human head MRI at ultra-high field.

Combination of surface and 'vertical' loop elements improves receive performance of a human head transceiver array at 9.4 T.

Ultra-high-field (UHF, ≥7 T) human magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides undisputed advantages over low-field MRI (≤3 T), but its development remains challenging because of numerous technical issues, including the low efficiency of transmit (Tx) radiofrequency (RF) coils caused by the increase in tissue power deposition with frequency. Tight-fit human head transceiver (TxRx) arrays improve Tx efficiency in comparison with Tx-only arrays, which are larger in order to fit multi-channel receive (Rx)-only arrays inside. A drawback of the TxRx design is that the number of elements in an array is limited by the number of available high-power RF Tx channels (commonly 8 or 16), which is not sufficient for optimal Rx performance. In this work, as a proof of concept, we developed a method for increasing the number of Rx elements in a human head TxRx surface loop array without the need to move the loops away from a sample, which compromises the array Tx performance. We designed and constructed a prototype 16-channel tight-fit array, which consists of eight TxRx surface loops placed on a cylindrical holder circumscribing a head, and eight Rx-only vertical loops positioned along the central axis (parallel to the magnetic field B0 ) of each TxRx loop, perpendicular to its surface. We demonstrated both experimentally and numerically that the addition of the vertical loops has no measurable effect on the Tx efficiency of the array. An increase in the maximum local specific absorption rate (SAR), evaluated using two human head voxel models (Duke and Ella), measured 3.4% or less. At the same time, the 16-element array provided 30% improvement of central signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in vivo relative to a surface loop eight-element array. The novel array design also demonstrated an improvement in the parallel Rx performance in the transversal plane. Thus, using this method, both the Rx and Tx performance of the human head array can be optimized simultaneously.

Analytical modeling provides new insight into complex mutual coupling between surface loops at ultrahigh fields.

Ultrahigh-field (UHF) (≥7 T) transmit (Tx) human head surface loop phased arrays improve both the Tx efficiency (B1+ /√P) and homogeneity in comparison with single-channel quadrature Tx volume coils. For multi-channel arrays, decoupling becomes one of the major problems during the design process. Further insight into the coupling between array elements and its dependence on various factors can facilitate array development. The evaluation of the entire impedance matrix Z for an array loaded with a realistic voxel model or phantom is a time-consuming procedure when performed using electromagnetic (EM) solvers. This motivates the development of an analytical model, which could provide a quick assessment of the Z-matrix. In this work, an analytical model based on dyadic Green's functions was developed and validated using an EM solver and bench measurements. The model evaluates the complex coupling, including both the electric (mutual resistance) and magnetic (mutual inductance) coupling. Validation demonstrated that the model does well to describe the coupling at lower fields (≤3 T). At UHFs, the model also performs well for a practical case of low magnetic coupling. Based on the modeling, the geometry of a 400-MHz, two-loop transceiver array was optimized, such that, by simply overlapping the loops, both the mutual inductance and the mutual resistance were compensated at the same time. As a result, excellent decoupling (below -40 dB) was obtained without any additional decoupling circuits. An overlapped array prototype was compared (signal-to-noise ratio, Tx efficiency) favorably to a gapped array, a geometry which has been utilized previously in designs of UHF Tx arrays.

Evaluation of transmit efficiency and SAR for a tight fit transceiver human head phased array at 9.4 T.

Ultra-high field (UHF, ≥7 T) tight fit transceiver phased arrays improve transmit (Tx) efficiency (B1+ /√P) in comparison with Tx-only arrays, which are usually larger to fit receive (Rx)-only arrays inside. One of the major problems limiting applications of tight fit arrays at UHFs is the anticipated increase of local tissue heating, which is commonly evaluated by the local specific absorption rate (SAR). To investigate the tradeoff between Tx efficiency and SAR when a tight fit UHF human head transceiver phased array is used instead of a Tx-only/Rx-only RF system, a single-row eight-element prototype of a 400 MHz transceiver head phased array was constructed. The Tx efficiency and SAR of the array were evaluated and compared with that of a larger Tx-only array, which could also be used in combination with an 18-channel Rx-only array. Data were acquired on the Siemens Magnetom whole body 9.4 T human MRI system. Depending on the head size, positioning and the RF shim strategy, the smaller array provides from 11 to 23% higher Tx efficiency. In general, the Tx performance, evaluated as B1+ /√SAR, i.e. the safety excitation efficiency (SEE), is also not compromised. The two arrays provide very similar SEEs evaluated over 1000 random RF shim sets. We demonstrated that, in general, the tight fit transceiver array improves Tx performance without compromising SEE. However, in specific cases, the SEE value may vary, favoring one of the arrays, and therefore must be carefully evaluated.

Selective homonuclear polarization transfer for spectroscopic imaging of GABA at 7T.

We develop and implement a selective homonuclear polarization transfer method for the detection of 3.0 ppm C-4 GABA resonance by spectroscopic imaging in the human brain at 7T. This single shot method is demonstrated with simulations and phantoms, which achieves comparable efficiency of detection to that of J-difference editing. The macromolecule resonance that commonly co-edits with GABA is suppressed at 7T through use of a narrow band preacquisition suppression pulse. This technique is implemented in humans with an eight channel transceiver array and high degree B(0) shimming to measure supplementary motor area and thalamic GABA in controls (n = 8) and epilepsy patients (n = 8 total). We find that the GABA/N-acetyl aspartate ratio in the thalamus of control volunteers, well controlled and poorly controlled epilepsy patients are 0.053 ± 0.012 (n = 8), 0.090 ± 0.012 (n = 2), and 0.038 ± 0.009 (n = 6), respectively.

Short echo spectroscopic imaging of the human brain at 7T using transceiver arrays.

Recent advances in magnet technology have enabled the construction of ultrahigh-field magnets (7T and higher) that can accommodate the human head and body. Despite the intrinsic advantages of performing spectroscopic imaging at 7T, increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and spectral resolution, few studies have been reported to date. This limitation is largely due to increased power deposition and B(1) inhomogeneity. To overcome these limitations, we used an 8-channel transceiver array with a short TE (15 ms) spectroscopic imaging sequence. Utilizing phase and amplitude mapping and optimization schemes, the 8-element transceiver array provided both improved efficiency (17% less power for equivalent peak B(1)) and homogeneity (SD(B(1)) = +/-10% versus +/-22%) in comparison to a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) volume coil. To minimize the echo time to measure J-modulating compounds such as glutamate, we developed a short TE sequence utilizing a single-slice selective excitation pulse followed by a broadband semiselective refocusing pulse. Extracerebral lipid resonances were suppressed with an inversion recovery pulse and delay. The short TE sequence enabled visualization of a variety of resonances, including glutamate, in both a control subject and a patient with a Grade II oligodendroglioma.

4 T Actively detuneable double-tuned 1H/31P head volume coil and four-channel 31P phased array for human brain spectroscopy.

Typically 31P in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies are limited by SNR considerations. Although phased arrays can improve the SNR; to date 31P phased arrays for high-field systems have not been combined with 31P volume transmit coils. Additionally, to provide anatomical reference for the 31P studies, without removal of the coil or patient from the magnet, double-tuning (31P/1H) of the volume coil is required. In this work we describe a series of methods for active detuning and decoupling enabling use of phased arrays with double-tuned volume coils. To demonstrate these principles we have built and characterized an actively detuneable 31P/1H TEM volume transmit/four-channel 31P phased array for 4 T magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of the human brain. The coil can be used either in volume-transmit/array-receive mode or in TEM transmit/receive mode with the array detuned. Threefold SNR improvement was obtained at the periphery of the brain using the phased array as compared to the volume coil.

Three-dimensional high-inductance birdcage coil for NQR applications.

A birdcage coil capable of operating simultaneously and independently in three orthogonal dimensions has been developed. A co-rotational end-ring mode producing an RF field in the longitudinal direction was utilized in addition to the two common transverse orthogonal modes. Two conductor turns were used for each of the coil's windows, increasing its inductance by a factor of four, thereby, making the coil suitable for low-frequency applications. Two or three-frequency detection can be easily carried out with this device. Orthogonality of the coil's channels allows arbitrarily close frequency positioning of each resonant mode, potentially useful in wide-line NQR studies, in which simultaneous excitation/detection of signals from three adjacent regions of a single wide line can be performed. The coil's performance was evaluated using a three-dimensional scheme, in which a circularly polarized experiment was combined with a linearly polarized measurement at another frequency, resulting in SNR improvement by 55%.

Open half-volume quadrature transverse electromagnetic coil for high-field magnetic resonance imaging.

A half-volume quadrature head transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil has been constructed for 4 T imaging applications. This coil produces a sufficiently large homogeneous B(1) field region for the use as a volume coil. It provides superior transmission efficiency, resulting in significantly lower power deposition, as well as greater sensitivity and improved patient comfort and accessibility compared with conventional full-volume coils. Additionally, this coil suppresses the RF penetration artifact that distorts the RF magnetic field profile and alters the intensity in high-field images recorded with linear surface and volume coils. These advantages make it possible to apply this device as an efficient transmit/receive coil for high-field imaging with a restricted field of view.

Multifrequency probe for pulsed EPR and ENDOR spectroscopy.

The design, construction, and performance of a multifrequency pulsed EPR and ENDOR probe for use at cryogenic temperatures are described. Interchangeable resonators based on a folded strip line design allow variation of the resonance frequency over a range of 5-11 GHz. Variable coupling to the resonator is achieved capacitively via a simple mechanical adjustment which is thermally and mechanically stable. The entire assembly is robust and easily fabricated. Common methods of analyzing the resonator parameters such as the Q-factor and coupling coefficient are discussed quantitatively. Probe performance data and multifrequency pulsed ENDOR spectra are presented.

Identification of the Cu2+ binding sites in the N-terminal domain of the prion protein by EPR and CD spectroscopy.

Recent evidence indicates that the prion protein (PrP) plays a role in copper metabolism in the central nervous system. The N-terminal region of human PrP contains four sequential copies of the highly conserved octarepeat sequence PHGGGWGQ spanning residues 60-91. This region selectively binds divalent copper ions (Cu(2+)) in vivo. To elucidate the specific mode and site of binding, we have studied a series of Cu(2+)-peptide complexes composed of 1-, 2-, and 4-octarepeats and several sub-octarepeat peptides, by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR, conventional X-band and low-frequency S-band) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. At pH 7.45, two EPR active binding modes are observed where the dominant mode appears to involve coordination of three nitrogens and one oxygen to the copper ion, while in the minor mode two nitrogens and two oxygens coordinate. ESEEM spectra demonstrate that the histidine imidazole contributes one of these nitrogens. The truncated sequence HGGGW gives EPR and CD that are indistinguishable from the dominant binding mode observed for the multi-octarepeat sequences and may therefore comprise the fundamental Cu(2+) binding unit. Both EPR and CD titration experiments demonstrate rigorously a 1:1 Cu(2+)/octarepeat binding stoichiometry regardless of the number of octarepeats in a given peptide sequence. Detailed spin integration of the EPR signals demonstrates that all of the bound Cu(2+) is detected thereby ruling out strong exchange coupling that is often found when there is imidazolate bridging between paramagnetic metal centers. A model consistent with these data is proposed in which Cu(2+) is bound to the nitrogen of the histidine imidazole side chain and to two nitrogens from sequential glycine backbone amides.