Quantification of B0 Inhomogeneities in the Abdomen at 3 T

The position and composition of organs affect the field (B0) homogeneity of magnetic resonance imaging. B0 inhomogeneities can impact image quality. The effects of three breathhold positions (deep inhalation, shallow inhalation, and exhalation) on B0 homogeneity were measured at 3 T in the abdomens of 13 healthy volunteers. B0 maps were acquired using a breathheld phase mapping sequence and converted into a center frequency offset (Δf). B0 was evaluated quantitatively in three regions of interest (ROIs): the liver, left kidney, and right kidney. In general, the mean B0 frequency offsets (<Δf>) in the ROIs were highest during deep inhalation and lowest in exhalation.