Simultaneous MRI and Ultrasound Imaging on a High-performance Gradient Platform

Motivation: Simultaneous ultrasound (U/S) and MR imaging has been reported on whole-body MRI systems with conventional gradients (CVG) but remains unexplored on high-performance gradient (HPG) platforms. Goal(s): We assessed the MR and U/S image quality, alongside thermal impact on an MR-compatible U/S probe at CVG and HPG configurations. Approach: Fast spoiled gradient echo imaging, echo planar imaging (EPI), B0-field map and U/S probe temperature were measured. Results: Moderate-to-severe susceptibility-induced signal loss (due to U/S probe) extended ~8 mm into phantom at gradient isocenter with no visible U/S image artifacts. A substantial temperature rise was observed on U/S probe during EPI at HPG configuration. Impact: This study evaluates and compares image quality and thermal risks of simultaneous MR and U/S imaging on a high-performance gradient system versus a conventional clinical system. Our findings can help optimize the protocols for image-guided U/S intervention using high-performance gradients.