Comparison of Volume-Selective Z-Shim and EPI with an FMRI Memory Task

Hu Cheng¹, Srikanth Padmala¹, Rena Fukunaga¹

Volume-selective z-shim technique applies z-shim to only those slices with large susceptibility so that the scanning efficiency is not sacrificed as much as conventional z-shim approach. An fMRI study using a memory task involving faces is performed while applying both volume selective z-shimming and normal EPI techniques. The results show that despite fewer volumes collected during volume-selective z-shimming, volume-selective z-shim is superior to EPI especially in the targeted areas of susceptibility, while little difference is observed in other areas.