Imaging performance of a high-field in-line magnetic resonance imaging linear accelerator with a patient rotation system for fixed-gantry radiotherapy

Abstract

This paper describes the imaging performance of a high-field in-line MRI linear accelerator with a patient rotation system in-situ. Signal quality was quantified using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and RF uniformity maps. B0-field inhomogeneity was assessed using magnetic field mapping. SNR was evaluated with various entries into the Faraday cage which were required for extended couch translations. SNR varied between 103 and 87 across PRS rotation angles. Maximum B0-field inhomogeneity corresponded to 0.7 mm of geometric distortion. A 45 × 55 cm2 aperture allowed PRS translation with no reduction in SNR. Imaging performance with the PRS in-situ was found to be acceptable.

Keywords

• MRI-Linac
• Patient rotation
• Radiation therapy