The impact of tissue dielectric property uncertainties on MR safety assessments: a study of muscle conductivity variations

Motivation: In-vivo measured muscle conductivity values deviating significantly from theoretical values pose accuracy challenges to numerical MR safety assessments. Investigating the impact of these discrepancies is essential for ensuring reliable MR safety evaluations. Goal(s): To quantify the impact of muscle conductivity variability in electromagnetic fields distributions and SAR in MR numerical simulations. Approach: Using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations in Sim4Life, we assessed changes in electromagnetic fields and SAR across different muscle conductivity values. Results: Significant differences in electromagnetic field distributions were observed, as well as an increase in SAR, specially in peak SAR, as muscle conductivity is increased. Impact: This study highlights the importance of using accurate tissue dielectric properties in MR safety simulations. It encourages further research into tissue property variation and their impact on important safety metrics.