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Blood Oxygenation Level-dependent/Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Underpinnings, Practice, and Perspectives
Jeroen C W Siero1, Alex Bhogal1, J Martijn Jansma2
1Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, HP E 01.132, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Imaging studies using blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance (fMR) imaging have provided significant insight into the functional workings of the human brain. BOLD fMR imaging-based techniques have matured to include clinically viable imaging techniques that may one day render invasive diagnostic procedures unnecessary. This article explains how BOLD fMR imaging was developed. The characteristics of the BOLD signal are explained and the concepts of specificity and sensitivity are addressed with respect to pulse sequence and field strength. An overview of recent clinical applications is provided and future directions and perspectives are discussed.
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