Prospective motion and B shim correction for MR spectroscopy in human brain at 7T.

PURPOSE

To demonstrate feasibility and performance of prospective motion and B shim correction for MRS in human brain at 7T.

METHODS

Prospective motion correction using an optical camera and linear B shim correction using FASTMAP-like navigators were implemented into a semi-LASER sequence. The effect of motion on spectral quality was assessed without and with prospective correction in prefrontal cortex in 11 subjects.

RESULTS

Without prospective motion and shim correction, motion resulted in considerable degradation of MR spectra (broader linewidth, lower signal-to-noise ratio, degraded water suppression). With prospective motion and shim correction, spectral quality remained excellent despite motion. Prospective motion correction alone was not sufficient to prevent degradation of spectral quality.

CONCLUSION

Prospective motion and B shim correction is feasible at 7T and should help improve the robustness of MRS, particularly in motion-prone populations.