Combining Phase Images from Multi-Channel RF Coils using 3D Phase Offset Maps Derived from a Dual-Echo Scan

Simon Robinson¹, Gnter Grabner¹, Stephan Witoszynskyj¹, Siegfried Trattnig¹

We present a new, simple method for the combination of phase images from multi-channel coils without the need for a volume reference coil or prior processing such as spatial filtering. The method is based on the calculation and subtraction of 3D phase offsets for each channel which are derived from a dual-echo scan. This data comes either from the high resolution scan or is acquired in a separate, fast, low resolution scan. This second alternative is particularly computationally efficient, can be applied to single-echo high resolution data, and requires only a short (circa 30 s) additional measurement. Both method variants give near-perfect phase matching are compatible with parallel imaging.