Multi-functional phantom for MR imaging using surface coils

Abstract

A multi-functional phantom was developed for Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using a surface coil by combining a single signal-producing material and a non-signal-producing material to evaluate spatial resolution, slice thickness, image distortion, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and image uniformity. The phantom was examined by comparing the preset and measured values of varying scan conditions, such as matrix size, field of view (FOV), and slice thickness. The results illustrated that the spatial resolution increased as the pixel size decreased. The percent error in slice thickness increased as the preset slice thickness value was reduced. The image distortion decreased as the FOV became smaller. The SNR increased as the slice became thicker. The image uniformity ranked high within the effective sensitivity range of the surface coil. These results were consistent with the theoretical MR imaging characteristics. Therefore, it was concluded that the developed phantom is effective as a multi-functional phantom for MR imaging using surface coils.