Real-time multislice-to-volume motion correction for task-based EPI-fMRI at 7 T

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background:

• Ultra-high field strength (7 Tesla) MRI enhances functional MRI (fMRI) sensitivity via the blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal.
• Increased motion sensitivity at 7T and within fMRI protocols necessitates advanced motion mitigation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a 7T-compatible, real-time prospective motion correction technique for fMRI.
• To assess the efficacy of Multislice Prospective Acquisition Correction (MS-PACE) in reducing motion artifacts in 7T task-based fMRI.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a prospective Multislice Prospective Acquisition Correction (MS-PACE) technique for 7T fMRI.
• Evaluation using echo-planar imaging (EPI) in a 7T task-based fMRI study with resting-state scans.

Main Results:

• MS-PACE demonstrated significant and consistent reduction in residual head motion across participants.
• Prospective motion correction led to increased temporal signal-to-noise ratio (tSNR) in resting-state scans.
• Functional analysis indicated a reduction in artefactual activations compared to retrospective correction.

Conclusions:

• The 7T MS-PACE implementation effectively mitigates motion in task-based fMRI.
• Prospective motion correction improves data quality and reduces artifacts, enhancing the reliability of 7T fMRI findings.