Bilateral breast MRI by use of dual-source parallel radiofrequency excitation and image-based shimming at 3 Tesla: improvement in homogeneity on fat-suppression imaging

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to compare fat-suppression homogeneity on breast MR imaging by using dual-source parallel radiofrequency excitation and image-based shimming (DS-IBS) with single-source radiofrequency excitation with volume shim (SS-Vol) at 3 Tesla. Twenty patients were included. Axial three-dimensional T1-weighted turbo-field-echo breast images with DS-IBS and SS-Vol were obtained. Fat suppression was scored with four grade points. The contrast of the pectoral muscle and the fat in each breast area was obtained in the head medial, head lateral, foot medial, and foot lateral areas. The axillary space was calculated and compared between DS-IBS and SS-Vol. The average DS-IBS score was significantly higher than that of SS-Vol. The mean contrasts of fat in the foot lateral areas and axillary spaces on DS-IBS images were significantly higher than on SS-Vol images.

Diffusion‐prepared neurography of the brachial plexus with a large field‐of‐view at 3T

“…This has been implemented primarily for breast imaging where air–tissue transitions often result in poor fat suppression. For breast imaging, IB‐shimming helps to significantly improve image quality compared to standard shimming methods . In our study, IB‐shimming did not significantly improve image quality nor reduce B 0 variation compared to the standard shimming method.…”

“…The IB‐shimming is a software package implemented by the vendor and is primarily used for improved shimming of the breasts. It requires a fast (30 sec) low‐resolution fast‐field echo sequence to calculate first‐ and second‐order shim settings that maximize the B 0 ‐homogeneity in a region of interest (ROI) that is segmented following the contours of the anatomy …”

“…For improved shimming a susceptibility‐matched pillow (referred to from here on as Pillow) around the neck to cope with air–tissue transitions was tested . Additionally, a relatively new and easy to use image‐based (IB) shimming method was used to homogenize B 0 and this was compared to standard shimming in a boxed volume (referred to from here on as Standard).…”

Fat suppression techniques in breast magnetic resonance imaging: a critical comparison and state of the art

“…43 This may be accomplished through advanced hardware such as multi-channel parallel transmission which enables B 1 + shimming. 44 For IR-based techniques, switching the inversion RF pulse to an adiabatic pulse which is insensitive to B 1 + inhomogeneity can be helpful. 23 Fat suppression in the presence of metallic implant…”

Is the Impact Breast Implants with RFID Have on MRI Quality Investigated Thoroughly Enough?

“…[7][8][9] Alternatively, fat suppressed high-resolution gradient echo (GRE) T1-weighted imaging is used, and a homogenous magnetic field is beneficial for sufficient fat suppression. 10 We know that the magnetic metallic core in the RFID will lead to a more inhomogeneous magnetic field, with negative impact on image quality. The images demonstrating reduction of artifacts in the comment from professor Munhoz are only T2-weighted.…”