3D MR Imaging with the Dynamic Multi-Coil Technique: DYNAMITE MRI

INTRODUCTION: To date, spatial encoding for MRI is based on linear X, Y and Z field gradients generated by dedicated X, Y and Z wire patterns. The multi-coil (MC) technique enables the generation of a multitude of magnetic field shapes relevant to biomedical MR [1]. The benefits of the Dynamic Multi-Coil Technique (DYNAMITE) for the magnetic field shimming in rodent [2,3] and human [4] brain have been shown recently as well as proof-of-principle of radial [1,5] and algebraic [6] MRI. Here the potential of DYNAMITE MRI is explored further and the first 3-dimensional multi-slice MRI implementation is presented in which all gradient fields are purely MC-based. The obtained image fidelity is shown to be virtually identical to a conventional MRI system with dedicated X, Y and Z gradient coils. Comparable image quality is a milestone towards the establishment of fully functional and purely MC-based MRI (and shim) systems.