Meeting Banner
Abstract #2309

Whole-Brain Artifact-Suppressed SSFP FMRI in a Single Paradigm Run: Alternating SSFP

Steve Patterson1, 2, Erin Mazerolle1, 2, Steven Beyea1, 2, Chris Bowen1, 2

1Institute for Biodiagnostics (Atlantic), National Research Council Canada, Halifax, NS, Canada; 2Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada

In this study we demonstrate whole-brain SSFP fMRI at 3T in a rat model from a single run of the functional paradigm (hypercapnia challenge). Banding artifact-free images were generated by combining two images with complementary RF phase cycling increments. These image pairs were collected sequentially in time, by alternating the RF phase cycling increment between images, and using RF catalyzation to minimize signal fluctuations. The sensitivity of this alternating SSFP (altSSFP) technique was compared to conventional pbSSFP in pbSSFP high-signal (pass-band) and low-signal (stop-band) regions. Results show comparable sensitivity in pass-band regions and significantly enhanced sensitivity in stop-band regions.

Abstract PDF Poster PDF

Keywords

acquisition acquisitions activation administration alternated alternative anal animals apart applied artifact balance balanced band bands bars basis bold boxcar brain breathed built careful caused challenge changing cluster coil collected combined comparable cone convolved correction coverage currently cycles cycling dark diameter distortion dummy efficiency eliminated enhanced exclude exhibits facilitate free full function functional gases gene general gradient half holder hose hough house identified immobilized inaccessible increment increments injection inner institute investigation involves library linear long many mask medical ming minutes mode model motion need noise nose novel oral pair pairs paradigm parametric pass permit permits pixel pixels placed planar preceded previous prohibitive pulse ramp random rats receive recent recover reduced repeated resolution runs scientific scores sensitivity sequentially sets several significantly sine slew smith smoothing snout software squares statistical stop suffer suggested suppressed table tempo temporal tissue transmit typical urethane volume whole window