Dual-tuned Coaxial-transmission-line RF coils for Hyperpolarized (13)C and Deuterium (2)H Metabolic MRS Imaging at Ultrahigh Fields

OBJECTIVE: Information on the metabolism of tissues in healthy and diseased states plays a significant role in the detection and understanding of tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Hyperpolarized carbon-13 magnetic resonance imaging ((13)C-HPMRI) and deuterium metabolic imaging ((2)H-DMI) are two emerging X-nuclei used as practical imaging tools to investigate tissue metabolism. However due to their low gyromagnetic ratios (ɣ(13C) = 10.7 MHz/T; ɣ (2H) = 6.5 MHz/T) and natural abundance, such method required a sophisticated dual-tuned radiofrequency (RF) coil. METHODS: Here, we report a dual-tuned coaxial transmission line (CTL) RF coil agile for metabolite information operating at 7T with independent tuning capability. The design analysis has demonstrated how both resonant frequencies can be individually controlled by simply varying the constituent of the design parameters. RESULTS: Numerical results have demonstrated a broadband tuning range capability, covering most of the X-nucleus signal, especially the (13)C and (2)H spectra at 7T. Furthermore, in order to validate the feasibility of the proposed design, both dual-tuned (1)H/(13)C and (1)H/(2)H CTLs RF coils are fabricated using a semi-flexible RG-405 .086” coaxial cable and bench test results (scattering parameters and magnetic field efficiency/distribution) are successfully obtained. CONCLUSION: The proposed dual-tuned RF coils reveal highly effective magnetic field obtained from both proton and heteronuclear signal which is crucial for accurate and detailed imaging. SIGNIFICANCE: The successful development of this new dual-tuned RF coil technique would provide a tangible and efficient tool for ultrahigh field metabolic MR imaging.