An 8‐channel receive array for improved (31)P MRSI of the whole brain at 3T

PURPOSE: To demonstrate a (1)H/(31)P whole human brain volume coil configuration for 3 Tesla with separate (31)P transmit and receive components that maintains (1)H MRS performance and delivers optimal (31)P MRSI with (1)H decoupling. METHODS: We developed an 8‐channel (31)P receive array coil covering the head to be used as an insert for a commercial double‐tuned (1)H/(31)P birdcage transmit‐receive coil. This retains the possibility of using low‐power rectangular pulses for (1)H‐decoupled 3D (31)P MRSI (nominal resolution 17.6 cm(3); acquisition duration 13 min) but increases the SNR with the receive sensitivity of (31)P surface coils. The performance of the combined coil setup was evaluated by measuring (1)H and (31)P SNR with and without the (31)P receive array and by assessing the effect of the receive array on the transmit efficiencies of the birdcage coil. RESULTS: Compared to the birdcage coil alone, the (31)P insert in combination with the birdcage achieved an average (31)P SNR gain of 1.4 ± 0.4 in a center partition of the brain. The insert did not cause losses in (1)H MRS performance and transmit efficiency, whereas for (31)P approximately 20% more power was needed to achieve the same γB1. CONCLUSION: The new coil configuration allows (1)H MRSI and optimal (1)H‐decoupled 3D (31)P MRSI, with increased SNR of the human brain without patient repositioning, for clinical and research purposes at 3 Tesla.