Practical Methods for Improved B1+-Homogeneity in 3T Breast Imaging

Simone Angela Winkler¹, Brian K. Rutt¹

3T MRI is increasingly used because of its intrinsic SNR benefits compared to 1.5T MRI. Increased B1+ inhomogeneities in 3T MRI can lead to left-right B1+-asymmetry in the breast. This abstract presents simulations of several different methods for compensating left-right B1+-asymmetries in the breast region by means of 1) 2-channel RF shimming (I/Q-phase/amplitude adjustments); 2) dielectric-absorptive shimming; or 3) a combination. Both approaches are adaptable to a wide range of MR systems to yield a simple, practical, and inexpensive procedure without SAR penalty for uniform contrast and quantitative parameter estimates, and ultimately, more accurate detection and monitoring of breast cancer.