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Multi-slice perfusion-based functional MRI using the FAIR technique: comparison of CBF and BOLD effects
1Center for Magnetic Resonance and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55455, USA. kim@geronimo.drad.umm.edu
NMR in Biomedicine
|June 1, 1997
Summary
A new multi-slice technique improves temporal resolution for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) perfusion studies. This advance allows for better measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes during brain activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
- Physiology
Background:
- Perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) using endogenous tracers has limited temporal resolution, restricting studies to single slices.
- This limitation hinders comprehensive functional brain activity assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a multi-slice flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) technique.
- To improve temporal resolution in perfusion-based fMRI studies.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multi-slice FAIR technique involving a single inversion pulse and sequential multi-slice echo-planar imaging acquisition.
- Application of the multi-slice FAIR technique to acquire three-slice cerebral blood flow (CBF) images during motor tasks.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained multi-slice CBF functional images during motor tasks.
- Observed a relative CBF change of 45.0+/-12.2% in the contralateral motor/sensory area during unilateral thumb-digit opposition.
- Reported a blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal change of 1.5+/-0.4%.
Conclusions:
- The multi-slice FAIR technique significantly enhances temporal resolution for perfusion fMRI.
- Relative changes in oxygen consumption rate can be estimated from CBF and BOLD data.
- Caution is advised when interpreting BOLD signal changes as direct quantitative measures of CBF changes, particularly in inter-subject comparisons.