Real-Time Conductivity Mapping using Balanced SSFP and Phase-Based Reconstruction

Introduction MR-based Electric Properties Tomography (EPT) provides a noninvasive means to assess electric tissue properties, such as conductivity and permittivity, and provides a framework for an accurate determination of local SAR [1]. Furthermore, it may provide a diagnostic parameter in oncology and cardiology. Recently, simplified EPT reconstruction methods based on the pure image phase information were introduced [2,3]. In these studies, spin echo (SE) sequences were employed due to their low susceptibility to B0 variations, or a B0 map was measured. However, these scans are very time consuming. In the present study, we have employed a fast balanced SSFP sequence, which has similar properties as SE in terms of a B0-independend phase accuracy, but provides sufficient speed for imaging of dynamic processes. First real-time conductivity scans in phantoms are shown, in which salt was added during the scan.