A 20-channel receive-only mouse array coil for a 3 T clinical MRI system

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics

Background:

• Developing advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) coils is crucial for enhancing image quality in small animal research.
• High-density phased-array coils offer potential for improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) but present design challenges at small scales.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, construct, and validate a 20-channel phased-array coil optimized for high-resolution accelerated MRI of mice.
• To quantitatively assess the SNR performance and suitability for accelerated imaging compared to conventional coils.

Main Methods:

• A 20-channel phased-array coil was engineered with small-diameter elements in a hexagonal overlapping design and integrated low-impedance preamplifiers.
• Bench measurements, phantom studies, and in vivo mouse imaging were performed to evaluate SNR and noise amplification.
• Simulations and G-factor measurements assessed the coil's performance in accelerated imaging scenarios.

Main Results:

• The 20-channel mouse coil demonstrated a 3-fold SNR increase at the phantom periphery and 1.3-fold at the center compared to a length-matched birdcage coil.
• A twofold SNR gain was observed at the phantom edge compared to a shorter, SNR-optimized birdcage coil.
• G-factor analysis confirmed the coil's suitability for highly accelerated MRI acquisition.

Conclusions:

• The designed 20-channel phased-array coil effectively overcomes technical challenges for high-density small-scale arrays.
• This coil provides significant SNR improvements, enabling faster, high-resolution MRI in mice.
• The coil is well-suited for accelerated imaging, advancing capabilities in preclinical MRI research.