Novel Dual-Tuned 31P-1H Transceiver Head Array Enables High-Resolution Whole-brain 31P MRSI for Mapping NAD+ and NADH in the Human Brain at 7T

Motivation: 31P MRS imaging (MRSI) at UHF offers essential phosphorous metabolites information, but requires a dedicated 1H-31P dual-frequency head coil. Goal(s): Provide advanced 31P-1H dual-frequency head array coil for B0 shimming, brain 1H MRI and high-resolution whole-brain 31P MRSI in humans at 7T. Approach: We demonstrated a novel head array operating at 1H and 31P frequencies without complex coil structures or passive/active coil components. Results: The proposed 31P-1H head array demonstrates much higher 31P-SNR (5-times in peripheral and 2-times in deep brain region) compared to the TEM volume coil, showing well defined NAD+ and NADH resonance signals in 4 subjects. Impact: The proposed 31P-1H head coil design provides excellent 1H MRI and whole-brain high-resolution 31P MRSI, making it possible to quantify and map cellular NAD+ and NADH metabolites, thereby obtaining the NAD redox status of the entire human brain at 7T.