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Fast high resolution whole brain T2* weighted imaging using echo planar imaging at 7T
Jaco J M Zwanenburg1, Maarten J Versluis, Peter R Luijten
1Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.j.m.zwanenburg@umcutrecht.nl
Neuroimage
|March 29, 2011
Summary
High magnetic field MRI benefits from echo-planar imaging (EPI) for faster, whole-brain T(2)* weighted imaging. This technique achieves high resolution and improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for brain structure research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- High Magnetic Field Research
Background:
- T(2)* weighted MRI at high magnetic fields is valuable for studying brain structure and cortical architecture.
- Conventional spoiled gradient echo (GRE) sequences have low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) efficiency, requiring long scan times.
- This limits the practical application of high-field MRI for detailed brain imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate high-resolution, whole-brain T(2)* weighted imaging using echo-planar imaging (EPI) at high magnetic field strength.
- To compare the performance of a volumetric (3D) EPI protocol against conventional 3D GRE sequences.
- To assess the feasibility of EPI for efficient and detailed neuroanatomical studies.
Main Methods:
- Development and implementation of a 3D EPI protocol for T(2)* weighted imaging.
- Acquisition of whole-brain images at 0.5mm isotropic resolution.
- Comparison with conventional 3D GRE sequences using identical resolution, T(2)* weighting, and scan duration (6 minutes).
Main Results:
- High-resolution (0.5mm isotropic) T(2)* weighted whole-brain images were acquired in 6 minutes using 3D EPI.
- 3D EPI achieved a 4.5-fold increase in spatial coverage and a 2-fold increase in SNR compared to 3D GRE.
- Similar gray-white matter contrast was observed, with enhanced anatomical detail conspicuity in 3D EPI images due to higher SNR.
Conclusions:
- Volumetric 3D EPI offers significant advantages in speed, whole-brain coverage, and SNR efficiency for T(2)* weighted MRI at high fields.
- 3D EPI overcomes the limitations of conventional GRE sequences, enabling efficient utilization of high-field MRI benefits.
- This technique is crucial for advancing research on brain structure and cortical architecture using T(2)* weighted imaging.
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