Point Spread Function Map for Distortion Correction with Double EPI Readout Acquisition Strategy at 3T

Yu Cai¹, Qingwei Liu², Mark Woods¹, Craig Hamilton³, Hongyu An²

The current Point Spread Function (PSF) mapping technique uses an extra 2-3 min of scan time to acquire a PSF map for echo planar imaging (EPI) distortion correction, based on prevalent EPI acquisition parameters used in fMRI studies. However, when a subject moves during scanning the PSF map may not for the most appropriate method of distortion correction. A dual EPI readout train acquisition strategy has been developed that improves the performance of PSF map correction. This strategy embeds the PSF acquisition into the gradient echo EPI acquisition without increasing scan time synchronizes with the EPI acquisition.