Sense Shimming (SSH), first in-vivo results

Introduction: Due to the direct relationship between frequency and spatial location, a high field homogeneity is paramount for accurate imaging in MRI. In order to adjust the field, several orders of shim coils are usually available, along with a multitude of methods to detect the optimal settings, ranging from manual to automatic methods ([1]). Recently, a proof of concept has been presented of a method capable of detecting B0 field inhomogeneities by observing the temporal evolution of a free induction decay (FID), using sensitivity differences of coil array elements, named Sense Shimming or short ‚SSH’ ([2]). The results presented so far were limited to phantom measurements, due to expected complications regarding chemical shift artefacts and physiological noise. We here address these problems and present the first in-vivo results.