B0 homogeneity throughout the monkey brain is strongly improved in the sphinx position as compared to the supine position

Abstract

Purpose: To map B0 distortions throughout the monkey brain in the two positions commonly used for NMR studies (the prone sphinx position and the supine position) in order to test the hypothesis that B0 homogeneity in the sphinx position is significantly improved as compared to the supine position. Materials and Methods: Three macaque monkeys were installed in the two positions in a 3T whole-body MR system without shim correction. B 0 maps were acquired using a 3D gradient double-echo sequence, and field dispersion throughout the brain was quantified. In addition, field maps and localized 1H spectra were acquired after first-order shimming was performed. Results: The field maps collected in the three animals were highly reproducible. B0 dispersion throughout the brain was typically two to three times greater in the supine position than in the sphinx position. Although first-order shimming proved relatively more efficient in the supine position, B0 dispersion still remained greater in the supine than in the sphinx position. These findings can be explained by the thickness of outer brain tissues. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that the sphinx position is highly favorable in terms of B0 homogeneity. It should prove useful for NMR exploration of the monkey brain, particularly at high fields where B0 inhomogeneity associated with susceptibility artifacts is increased. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.