Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of using a double loop phased array endorectal coil combined with a phased array body coil to image the prostate at 3T.
Materials and methods: We designed and constructed a novel prostate coil employing two arrayed 4.0 x 5.0 cm loops, tuned the device for optimal performance at 3T, and characterized the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) associated with it.
Results: The coil Q factor was calculated to be approximately 50 unloaded, and 30 when loaded on human tissue. SNR maps at multiple orientations were constructed and images were acquired on both a phantom and a human. As expected, SNR was highest along the midpoint of the array and demonstrated strong signal even at 4 cm from the coil.
Conclusion: The double loop phased array endorectal coil combined with a phased array body coil at 3T is feasible in vivo and compelling enough to warrant future clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy. These trials are currently under way.
2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc