Efficient generation of T2*-weighted contrast by interslice echo-shifting for human functional and anatomical imaging at 9.4 Tesla

Ehses, P., Bause, J., Shajan, G. and Scheffler, K. (2015) Efficient generation of T2*-weighted contrast by interslice echo-shifting for human functional and anatomical imaging at 9.4 Tesla. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 74(6), pp. 1698-1704. (doi: 10.1002/mrm.25570) (PMID:25597997)

Abstract

Purpose: Standard gradient-echo sequences are often prohibitively slow for inline image-weighted imaging as long echo times prolong the repetition time of the sequence. Echo-shifting offers a way out of this dilemma by allowing an echo time that exceeds the repetition time. The purpose of this work is to present a gradient-echo sequence that is optimized for multislice inline image-weighted imaging applications by combining echo-shifting with an interleaved slice excitation order. Theory and Methods: This combined approach offers two major advantages: First, it combines the advantages of both concepts, that is, echo time and pulse repetition time can be significantly increased without affecting scan time. Second, there is no echo-shifting related signal loss associated with this concept as only a single radiofrequency pulse is applied per pulse repetition time and slice. Results: A 9.4 Tesla high-resolution inline image-weighted anatomical brain scan of the proposed sequence is compared to a standard gradient-echo. Furthermore, results from 9.4 Tesla blood oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments with an in-plane resolution of 0.8 × 0.8 mm2 are presented. Conclusion: The proposed sequence allows for efficient generation of inline image-weighted contrast by combining echo-shifting with an interleaved slice excitation order.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gunamony, Dr Shajan
• Authors: Ehses, P., Bause, J., Shajan, G., and Scheffler, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0740-3194
• ISSN (Online): 1522-2594
• Published Online: 02 December 2014