Assessment of the Characteristics of MRI Coils in Terms of RF Non-Homogeneity Using Routine Spin Echo Sequences

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Research Center for Science & Technology in Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran. Iran.

2 M.Sc. in Research Center for Science & Technology in Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran. Iran.

3 B. Sc. in Medical Imaging Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

4 Associate Professor, Radiology Dept., Medical Imaging Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: One of the major causes of image non-uniformity in MRI is due to the existence of 
non-homogeneity in RF receive and transmit. This can be the most effective source of error in 
quantitative  studies  in  MRI  imaging.  Part  of  this  non-homogeneity  demonstrates  the 
characteristics of RF coil and part of it is due to the interaction of RF field with the material being 
imaged. In this study, RF field non-homogeneity of surface and volume coils is measured using an 
oil phantom. The method employed in this work is based on a routine Spin Echo based sequence 
as proposed by this group previously. 
Materials and Methods: For the determination of RF non-uniformity, a method based on Spin 
Echo  sequence  (θ-180)  was  used  as  reported  previously  by  the  same  author.  In  this  method, 
several images were obtained from one slice using different flip angles while keeping all other 
imaging  parameters  constant.  Then,  signal  intensity  at  a  ROI  from  all  of  these  images  were 
measured  and  fitted  to  the  MRI  defined  mathematical  model.  Since  this  mathematical  model 
describes the relation between signal intensity and flip angle in a (θ-180) Spin Echo sequence, it is 
possible  to  obtain  the  variation  in  receive  and  transmit  sensitivity  in  terms  of  the  variation  of 
signal  intensity  from  the  actual  expected  values.  Since  surface  coils  are  functioning  as  only 
receiver (RF transmission is done by Body coil), first the results of receive coil homogeneity is 
measured, then characteristic of transmit coil (for the body coil) is evaluated 
Results: The coefficient of variation (C.V.) found for T(r) value obtained from images using head 
coils was in the order of 0.6%. Since the head coil is functioning as both transmitter and receiver, 
any non-uniformity in either transmit or receive stage can lead to non-homogeneity in RF field. A 
part from the surface coils, the amount of non-homogeneity due to receive coil was less than that 
of  the  transmit  coil.  In  the  case  of  the  surface  coils  the  variation  in  receive  homogeneity 
measurement was high due to inherent sensitivity of the coil in different locations, which was as 
expected. 
Discussion and Conclusion: Since the RF interaction of RF field is very low in oil phantom, the 
variation shown in the T(r) is due to B1 non-homogeneity of coil system. Since the head coil is 
functioning as both transmitter and receiver, any non-uniformity in either transmit or receive stage 
could lead to non-homogeneity of RF field. 
 

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Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 2, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
September and October 2005
Pages 61-65

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 April 2005
  • Revise Date: 10 June 2005
  • Accept Date: 30 July 2005

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