Sensitivity of cardiac 31P MRSI in prone and supine positions using an integrated 31P whole-body transmit coil at 7T

Motivation: Cardiac 31P MRS is limited by the low sensitivity of commonly used transmit-receive surface coils at larger distances from the coil. Therefore, with transmit-receive surface coils, data is often acquired in prone position, which brings the heart closer to the coil. Goal(s): Determine the sensitivity of cardiac 3D 31P MRSI in prone and supine positions using an integrated 31P whole-body birdcage transmit coil at 7T. Approach: A male and female subject were scanned in prone and supine position. Results: 3D 31P MRSI data were obtained with good sensitivity throughout the whole heart, regardless of the position of the subject. Impact: With an integrated 31P whole-body transmit coil at 7T, cardiac 31P MRS can be performed in the more comfortable supine position, with good sensitivity also in the posterior cardiac wall.