Developing a body composition protocol on a commercial 0.55T MRI system

Motivation: Body composition MRI is well established at 1.5T. However there is limited work at low-field where there is growing interest, particularly with increased accessibility of ultra-wide bore systems. Goal(s): Demonstrate the feasibility of body composition MRI on a 0.55T (80cm) system, and present optimised sequence parameters suitable for large-scale studies. Approach: Dixon and liver T1 and T2*/PDFF scans were optimised iteratively by scanning subjects with a range of BMIs at 0.55T using ultra-flexible receive-array coils. Results: Body composition MRI has been demonstrated on a commercial 0.55T system. Image quality was sufficient for utilisation of an analysis pipeline established for higher field. Impact: Body composition MRI is feasible on a commercial 0.55T system, providing motivation for further protocol development. This generation of scanner presents an opportunity for more affordable and accessible MRI, with a wide bore suitable for imaging larger patients and participants.