The goal of this project is to apply a novel MRI-based imaging method to functional brain mapping, with the aim of achieving superior image quality, improved spatial resolution, and potentially improved activation signal. Conventional functional MRI (fMRI) imaging methods employ T2-weighted gradient-recalled echo (GRE) sequences, and suffer from image blur, distortion, and low activation contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) fMRI has the potential to address these shortcomings, but introduces other sources of artifact and signal loss and has remained at the developmental stage. Using novel bSSFP pulse sequence design and parallel RF transmission, we have shown that robust, artifact-free bSSFP imaging is possible, provided that the B0 inhomogeneity across the imaging field-of-view (FOV) is sufficiently smooth. To assess the applicability of our method to functional imaging in the brain, we will measure whole-brain B0 patterns in volunteers, and use the observed values to optimize the pulse sequence design. The proposed method will be applied to passband bSSFP fMRI studies, and will be compared with conventional GRE BOLD fMRI. If successful, this project will produce an image acquisition sequence that is as flexible and robust as conventional GRE fMRI, but with reduced distortion and blur, potentially more accurate and reliable activation maps, and potentially superior contrast properties.

Public Health Relevance

In this project, we will develop new and improved imaging technology for functional brain mapping experiments. Com- pared with current functional MRI methods, the new method will produce images of the brain with much finer detail.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21EB012674-02
Application #
8206729
Study Section
Biomedical Imaging Technology Study Section (BMIT)
Program Officer
Liu, Guoying
Project Start
2010-12-15
Project End
2014-11-30
Budget Start
2011-12-01
Budget End
2014-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$222,082
Indirect Cost
$72,082
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Type
Schools of Engineering
DUNS #
073133571
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109
Layton, Kelvin J; Kroboth, Stefan; Jia, Feng et al. (2017) Pulseq: A rapid and hardware-independent pulse sequence prototyping framework. Magn Reson Med 77:1544-1552
Nielsen, Jon-Fredrik; Noll, Douglas C (2016) Improved spoiling efficiency in dynamic RF-spoiled imaging by ghost phase modulation and temporal filtering. Magn Reson Med 75:2388-93
Hao, Sun; Fessler, Jeffrey A; Noll, Douglas C et al. (2016) Joint Design of Excitation k-Space Trajectory and RF Pulse for Small-Tip 3D Tailored Excitation in MRI. IEEE Trans Med Imaging 35:468-79
Sun, Hao; Fessler, Jeffrey A; Noll, Douglas C et al. (2016) Balanced SSFP-like steady-state imaging using small-tip fast recovery with a spectral prewinding pulse. Magn Reson Med 75:839-44
Zhao, Feng; Nielsen, Jon-Fredrik; Swanson, Scott D et al. (2015) Simultaneous fat saturation and magnetization transfer contrast imaging with steady-state incoherent sequences. Magn Reson Med 74:739-46
Sun, Hao; Fessler, Jeffrey A; Noll, Douglas C et al. (2015) Steady-state functional MRI using spoiled small-tip fast recovery imaging. Magn Reson Med 73:536-43
Sun, Hao; Fessler, Jeffrey A; Noll, Douglas C et al. (2014) Strategies for improved 3D small-tip fast recovery imaging. Magn Reson Med 72:389-98
Nielsen, Jon-Fredrik; Yoon, Daehyun; Noll, Douglas C (2013) Small-tip fast recovery imaging using non-slice-selective tailored tip-up pulses and radiofrequency-spoiling. Magn Reson Med 69:657-66