Improving Cerebral Cortical Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using a Readily Available Surface Coil

Abstract

Subtle structural deformities of the cerebral cortex have been shown to be the cause of seizures in patients with refractory epilepsy. Brain imaging using high-resolution focused protocols with standard head coils may not provide sufficient image quality needed for evaluating subtle cortical abnormalities. The authors describe the use of a readily available shoulder coil placed over a specific area of the brain that has been clinically determined to enhance the signal to noise and resolution of the cortical surface. Delineating the cortical surface using a shoulder coil can help to detect subtle areas of cortical thickening, blurring of the gray-white matter junction, or focally abnormal gyral and sulcal patterns.