T2* BOLD Contrast Brain Imaging at 7.0 T: Echo Planar Imaging vs. Single Shot Turbo Spin Echo

Purpose: MRI at high magnetic field strengths promises a more comprehensive understanding of the human brain through improved localisation of functional activation. This potential is accompanied by challenges including increased B0 inhomogeneity and RF power deposition. The aim of this study is optimal imaging for functional MRI at 7.0 Tesla. EPI and displaced UFLARE – a single-shot spin echo variant – were combined with parallel imaging to mitigate image distortion and signal drop-out in EPIand reduce RF power deposition in UFLARE. Materials and Methods: Images were acquired at 7.0 T (Achieva, Philips Medical S…