Fuzzy ripple artifact in high resolution fMRI: identification, cause, and mitigation.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

High resolution fMRI is a rapidly growing research field focused on capturing functional signal changes across cortical layers. However, the data acquisition is limited by low spatial frequency EPI artifacts; termed here as Fuzzy Ripples. These artifacts limit the practical applicability of acquisition protocols with higher spatial resolution, faster acquisition speed, and they challenge imaging in lower brain areas.

Methods

We characterize Fuzzy Ripple artifacts across commonly used sequences and distinguish them from conventional EPI Nyquist ghosts, off-resonance effects, and GRAPPA artifacts. To investigate their origin, we employ dual polarity readouts.

Results

Our findings indicate that Fuzzy Ripples are primarily caused by readout-specific imperfections

SUBMITTER: Huber R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11418939 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature