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Abstract #5237

Motion-Robust Fetal Brain Imaging using Inner Echo Volumar Imaging

Rita G Nunes1,2,3, Giulio Ferrazzi3, Anthony N Price3, Jana Hutter3, Andreia S Gaspar2,3, Mary Rutherford3, and Joseph V Hajnal3

1Institute for Systems and Robotics / Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, 2Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, 3Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, United Kingdom

The first fetal functional MRI studies used standard 2D multi-slice Echo Planar Imaging acquisitions, relying on post-processing for addressing motion-related effects. To reduce motion sensitivity, the use of Echo Volumar Imaging (EVI) combined with localized excitation has previously been proposed, but the very heterogeneous maternal environment renders selective excitation extremely challenging. We explored a more robust method combining EVI with inner volume imaging. By obtaining selective excitation from a spin-echo, sensitivity to field inhomogeneity is decreased, and spurious contributions from maternal tissue can be avoided. The method was tested in an adult and demonstrated in fetal imaging in utero.

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