Abstract #0746

Dale A, Wastiaux L, van der Kouwe A

Echo Planar Imaging is the method of choice for functional MR Imaging studies where rapid scanning is required to follow brain activations. While multi-slice EPI is commonly used to acquire 3D datasets, 3D EPI offers the advantages of better contiguous slices and higher signal to noise ratio but is more sensitive to subjects motion. To increase the image quality of 3D EPI scans and reduce the effects of motion, we have developed a 3D EPI sequence with embedded cloverleaf navigators, which estimate rigid body motion in real-time and adjust the acquisition parameters accordingly between the acquisition of each partition.