Spectroscopic imaging of the brain with phased-array coils at 3.0 T

The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate high-resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) utilizing the gains in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) provided by combining higher magnetic field with high-sensitivity phased-array (PA) coils. We investigated the maximum improvement in spatial resolution as small as 0.09 cm(3) for brain MRSI while maintaining adequate SNR and acquisition time. The use of low peak power, dual-band spectral-spatial pulses was also investigated for application to 3 T MRSI of the brain using the body coil for radiofrequency excitation and PA coils for signal reception.