Augmented 3T imaging performance of the Temporomandibular joint using wireless resonators

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Medical Physics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Dedicated MRI coils are often unavailable for specific applications like Temporomandibular joint imaging.
• This limitation impacts diagnostic imaging performance, particularly in small field-of-view scenarios.
• High-resolution imaging of the Temporomandibular joint is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a method for achieving high-resolution Temporomandibular joint MRI at 3 Tesla.
• To utilize local wireless resonating coil inserts in conjunction with a commercial head array.
• To overcome the limitations imposed by the absence of dedicated MRI coils.

Main Methods:

• Design, implementation, and evaluation of a size-optimized wireless dual-turn loop resonator.
• Arrangement of the resonator within a 48-channel commercial head coil.
• Testing using loaded/unloaded cylindrical phantoms and in vivo volunteer imaging.

Main Results:

• Significant signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain in the region of interest was achieved.
• Parallel imaging performance was maintained without compromise.
• Successful validation of the design for high-resolution, small field-of-view imaging.

Conclusions:

• Local small loop resonators integrated into a conventional head coil enhance Temporomandibular joint imaging.
• This approach offers diagnostic benefits at 3T, even without specialized equipment.
• The proposed method provides an accessible solution for improved Temporomandibular joint MRI.