Abstract
Latest simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) methods greatly benefit MR efficiency for recent studies using parallel imaging technique. However, these methods are limited by the requirement of array coils. The proposed Coherent Wideband method, which employs an extended field of view to separate multiple excited slices, can be applied to any existing MRI instrument, even those without array coils. In this study, the Coherent Wideband echo-planar imaging method was implemented on 7 T animal MRI to exhibit comprehensive enhancements in neuro-architecture, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional MR studies (fMRI). Under the same scan time, the time-saving effect can be manipulated to increase the number of averages for DTI SNR improvement, reducing fractional anisotropy difference by 56.9% (from 0.072 to 0.041) and the deviation angle by 64% (from 25.3° to 16.2°). In summary, Coherent Wideband Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) will provide faster, higher resolution, thinner slice, or higher SNR imaging for precision neuro-architecture studies.
Highlights
Latest simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) methods greatly benefit MR efficiency for recent studies using parallel imaging technique
Two repeat measurements were performed for each set of images to calculate its SNR31, standard deviation (SD) value of different interest regions[32], and SSIM33
SSIM is used for measuring the similarity between two images, and the formula is based on three comparison measurements between the samples of luminance, contrast and structure
Summary
Latest simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) methods greatly benefit MR efficiency for recent studies using parallel imaging technique. Glover et al took a similar approach, utilizing encoded RF pulses in their phase-offset multi-planar (POMP) technique[9] These earliest SMS methods didn’t shorten MR scan time due to the extra phase-encoding steps or excitations needed in their design. Setsompop et al combined controlled aliasing in parallel imaging with echo-planar imaging (EPI) to match multi-excited image signals with standard s ignals[12,13] These SMS techniques hugely advanced the research in fields of functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)[14,15]. Since small animal pre-clinical apparatuses generally possess fewer coils, the noise will be even more severe From this aspect, non-hardware based SMS approaches are essential to provide neural dynamics in preclinical studies
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