Abstract #2348

Zhao X, Hinks R, Frigo F, Mock B, Sangill R, Collick B

Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) is used for Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Inherent in the data collection scheme are phase errors that lead to image artifacts when left un-corrected. Reference scans are often used to estimate phase errors before a scan. For lengthy EPI scans, however, initial phase characteristics may change causing image quality to deteriorate over time. A new technique is proposed to reduce variability in image fidelity during the course of long EPI scans by adjusting phase correction parameters during the scan.