Design of an MRI birdcage coil for lower leg imaging

Energy metabolism rates have been hypothesized to reflect abnormalities in diseases such as heart failure and diabetes. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, these rates can be imaged in multiple locations in the body. Due to similarities in muscle striations between myocardial and skeletal tissues, the metabolism of these substances will be imaged in the leg in order to increase patient comfort. A custom coil must be developed in order to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio and achieve compatibility with proton and phosphorous imaging.