Field Camera input to Virtual Phantom (ViP) scanner acquisitions for quality assurance of derived MRI quantities: First Proof-of-Principle.

Motivation: Quality assurance (QA) of quantities derived from MRI requires elaborate phantoms. Instead, we send modulated RF signals into the scanner representing any initial test object (previous “Virtual Phantom ViP”) avoiding physical phantom difficulties. Goal(s): Proof-of-principle of a novel step for QA of derived quantities, by combining two previous methods: a Field Camera (FC) to govern ViP. Approach: QA compares outputs from the unmodified scanner against the initial object. Tests evaluated the prototype technically, plus a derived QA example: myocardial bloodflow by first-pass contrast-enhanced myocardial perfusion. Results: Phase stability without phase-locking to scanner was marginal, while first demonstrating FC+ViP QA of a derived quantity. Impact: Quality assurance of derived quantities can require elaborate physical phantoms. Instead, we demonstrate novel field camera governance of the unmodified scanner's virtual phantom acquisition, reconstruction and analysis. We call for vendor cooperation in a new standardised inexpensive quality control interface.