Phased-array of microcoils allows MR microscopy of ex vivo human skin samples at 9.4 T

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of a custom-made phased-array microcoil within a 400 MHz animal system for the morphological characterization of human skin tissue in correlation with histopathology. Materials and methods: A dedicated 7-channel microcoil-based MR detector arranged in a phased-array geometry was developed to combine the advantages of both a large field of view and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Standard gradient echo sequences were adapted for the characterization of skin morphology ex vivo. Results: In this study, the feasibility of using this type of microdetector, combined with specially manufactured sample holders, to achieve high-resolutio..