Comparison of Data Approximation Methods Used in MR-Based Tissue Electrical Property Mapping a Simulation Study

Selaka Bandara Bulumulla¹, Seung-kyun Lee¹, Ileana Hancu¹

Calculation of electrical properties from B1+ maps is a potentially powerful method for non-invasive imaging of conductivity and permittivity. The method accurately calculates conductivity and permittivity when complex B1+ maps are available in the region of interest. Since B1+ phase is not directly available in an MRI scan, various approximation schemes have been proposed. We compare four such methods using analytical and numerical simulation models. The results indicate that sqrt(|B1+B1|), which may be obtained from a low flip angle gradient echo image and transceiver phase, may provide accurate conductivity and permittivity of rotationally symmetric as well rotationally asymmetric objects.