Human Gradient Breast Coil: Approach for Filter Exchange Imaging with Ultra-High Gradient Amplitude

Motivation: Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and apparent exchange rate (AXR) measurements offer potential for early breast cancer detection but face challenges regarding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and physiological-nerve-stimulation limits. Ultra-high gradient amplitudes can improve DWI by reducing echo times and allowing to better sample the DWI parameter space. Goal(s): To demonstrate the application of a high-amplitude local gradient breast coil (Gmax>1500$$$\;\text{mT/m}$$$) for AXR measurements using short gradient pulses. Approach: AXR imaging experiments with yeast cell phantoms were performed using short gradient durations. Results: Experiments showed consistent AXR values across gradient durations. Effects of gradient inhomogeneities on ADC and AXR measurements were successfully compensated. Impact: The local gradient breast coil enabled AXR measurements with reduced echo times by utilizing extreme gradient amplitudes and slew rates, demonstrating the potential of the coil to increase SNR, extend DWI parameter space coverage and thereby improve breast cancer imaging.