Assessing B1 Field Homogeneity in Ultra-High Field MRI: The Role of High-Dielectric Pad in Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Brain Segmentation

초록

This study aimed to assess the impact of using a high-dielectric pad on ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at field strengths of >= 7T. We aimed to investigate whether this pad could enhance T1 weighted brain imaging, influence brain segmentation, and affect diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). This study was conducted with a group of four volunteers, using a 7 Tesla MRI system and custom-made high-dielectric pad. T1 weighted brain images were acquired with and without the high-dielectric pad to observe changes in tissue contrast and signal intensity. Brain segmentation was performed to quantify cerebellar volumes, addressing B1 field inhomogeneity concerns. DTI was employed to examine cerebellar mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), and quantitative anisotropy (QA) values. The high-dielectric pad significantly improved tissue contrast and signal intensity in T1 weighted brain images without signal distortions. Brain segmentation indicated no difference in cerebellar volumes between images acquired with and without pad. In DTI analysis, the high-dielectric pad influenced cerebellar QA values, potentially enhancing DTI sensitivity and accuracy. This study suggests that high-dielectric pad may improve image quality in ultra-high field MRI, especially in T1-weighted and DTI brain imaging. The pad also appears to predominantly increase QA values in the cerebellum.

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