Optimization of Gradient-Echo Echo-Planar Imaging for T₂* Contrast in the Brain at 0.5 T

Gradient-recalled echo (GRE) echo-planar imaging (EPI) is an efficient MRI pulse sequence that is commonly used for several enticing applications, including functional MRI (fMRI), susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), and proton resonance frequency (PRF) thermometry. These applications are typically not performed in the mid-field (<1 T) as longer T₂* and lower polarization present significant challenges. However, recent developments of mid-field scanners equipped with high-performance gradient sets offer the possibility to re-evaluate the feasibility of these applications. The paper introduces a metric "T₂* contrast efficiency" for this evaluation, which minimizes dead time in the EPI sequence while maximizing T₂* contrast so that the temporal and pseudo signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) can be attained, which could be used to quantify experimental parameters for future fMRI experiments in the mid-field. To guide the optimization, T₂* measurements of the cortical gray matter are conducted, focusing on specific regions of interest (ROIs). Temporal and pseudo SNR are calculated with the measured time-series EPI data to observe the echo times at which the maximum T₂* contrast efficiency is achieved. T₂* for a specific cortical ROI is reported at 0.5 T. The results suggest the optimized echo time for the EPI protocols is shorter than the effective T₂* of that region. The effective reduction of dead time prior to the echo train is feasible with an optimized EPI protocol, which will increase the overall scan efficiency for several EPI-based applications at 0.5 T.