Real-time motion correction and multicoil shim array B0 update for whole-brain MR spectroscopic imaging

Motivation: Very high quality of MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data is needed for robust and reproducible metabolite quantification. This critically depends on the B0 shimming and scan stability. Integrated RF-receive/B0-shim arrays significantly improve spectral quality. Goal(s): Real-time motion correction and multicoil shimming update with an integrated RF-receive/B0-shim array for robust whole-brain MRSI. Approach: We developed a rapid navigator for head tracking and B0 fieldmapping in combination with rapid processing for real-time update of multicoil shim currents and MRSI localization. Results: Real-time motion correction and multicoil shimming provides significantly narrower linewidth, higher signal-to-noise, reduced quantification errors and reproducible metabolic imaging. Impact: Whole-brain MRSI is a unique method for non-invasive mapping of brain neurochemistry, and in combination with real-time motion correction and multicoil shim array update provides robust and reproducible quantitative metabolic imaging for clinical use.