Fast structural brain imaging using an MDEFT sequence with a FLASH-EPI hybrid readout

Neuroimage. 2006 Dec;33(4):1066-71. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2006.08.005. Epub 2006 Sep 18.

Abstract

A sequence for the fast acquisition of T1 weighted structural brain images with whole brain coverage and isotropic resolution of 1mm is presented. It is based on MDEFT with a FLASH-EPI hybrid readout. Several techniques for artefact suppression are implemented, like echo time shifting, asymmetric k-space sampling, and navigator echo acquisition. It is shown experimentally that the hybrid MDEFT sequence with a total duration of 8min yields approximately the same signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios as a 12min standard MDEFT sequence based on a FLASH readout. Further experiments show that echo time shifting suppresses artefacts in the vicinity of the scalp and in areas suffering from field inhomogeneities and that the concept of asymmetric k-space sampling reduces the susceptibility to head movement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Echo-Planar Imaging* / methods
  • Fourier Analysis*
  • Humans
  • Time Factors