A volume resolution phantom for MRI.

Multisite quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) of volume requires a small isotropic point spread-function (PSF) that is spatially, temporarily, and platform invariant. A phantom which will allow rapid assessment of this metric throughout the imaged volume without repositioning will assist certification of imaging sites for use in qMRI studies based on volume. This paper presents a phantom design for this purpose with a three-dimensional repeating pattern throughout its 800-cm(3) volume. The image of the pattern from the phantom contains a series of positive signal points and lines which can be used to measure the PSF, gradient linearity, gradient orthogonality, and B(0) homogeneity at multiple locations throughout its volume. The phantom is readily constructed, can be filled with any nuclear magnetic resonance signal-bearing liquid, and the design is scalable to cover larger volumes. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.