This work investigates the impact of patient orientation on
SAR for 3 Tesla two-channel parallel transmit (pTx) pelvis imaging. SAR simulations
were performed on two human body models in a supine position in a 70
cm-diameter 3 T body coil in a pelvis landmark, in both “head first” and “feet
first” patient entry orientations. Whole body SAR, peak spatial SAR, and SAR
ratio (= peak SAR / whole body SAR) were computed for quadrature and pTx
excitations. Patient position and orientation can cause peak SAR and SAR ratio
to vary significantly and must be considered when evaluating pTx excitation.
