Subject-specific knee SAR prediction using a degenerate birdcage at 7T

We performed a study to predict global and local subject-specific Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) exposure in 7T Musculoskeletal (MSK) acquisition sequences. Such prediction, that is not available in current Magnetic Resonance (MR) exams, is possible combining sequences SAR exposure simulated on the generic anatomical model with subject-specific measured B+1 maps. The procedure has been implemented with a degenerate birdcage coil specifically designed for knee exams. Results show a good agreement between simulated B+1 and B+1 magnitude measure in-vivo, while values of global and local SAR calculated are below the recommended limit, respectively 8 W/kg and 20 W/kg.