Phased array coils for high resolution prostate MR imaging

MR imaging of the prostate can be greatly improved by using a phased array that combines the signals from individual receiver coils to form a composite image. Endourethral coils and a dual-coil endorectal probe were constructed and combined with a surface coil in a phased array system. Various phased array configurations were tested with in vivo canine experiments, which resulted in high-resolution images that clearly showed the anatomy of the prostate and surrounding structures such as the neurovascular bundles. The endourethral coils were useful in imaging the anterior portion of the prostate, while the endorectal coils provided high SNR in the posterior region of the prostate.