Neonatal brain MR imaging using a dedicated 32-channel semiflexible receive coil array at 3T

Motivation: Neonatal brain MRI is the preferred modality for detecting neonatal brain injury resulting in significant neurodevelopmental disorders. Goal(s): The objective of this work is to design a 32-channel semiflexible receive coil dedicated for brain MRI in neonates within 12 months at 3T. Approach: Imaging studies in phantom and human subjects have been performed on a clinical 3T MRI system to validate the design. Results: Compared with the commercial adult head coils, the proposed coil showed performance improvement in SNR. The high-quality brain images were acquired in clinical examinations using the proposed coil, which indicated the potentiality for the application in neonatal clinical diagnosis. Impact: A 32-channel semiflexible receive coil array dedicated for brain MRI in neonates within 12 months at 3T was developed. The acquired high SNR and high-spatial resolution MR images indicated the potentiality for the application in neonatal clinical diagnosis.