Distance Weighted B1 Uniformity Correction for Multiple Channel Image Reconstruction

Fred J. Frigo^1,2, Brian W. Thomsen^1,2, Joshua V. Marso^1,2, Jason M. Darby^1,2, Stephen A. Verdi^1,2, Chad A. Rowland^1,2

Conventional multiple channel image reconstruction benefits from increased signal-to-noise ratios however hyper-intensity near coil elements can lead to difficulties in the evaluation of images. We present a novel approach for multiple-channel magnetic resonance image reconstruction with pixel intensity corrections for B1 non-uniformity. Coil sensitivity maps are generated from the actual data acquired during a scan, so this is a self-referencing technique. The coil sensitivity maps for each channel are generated based on the Euclidean distance of pixels from each individual coil image to the coil elements.