Abstract #4683

Biophysical Principles & Models of SSFP Functional MRI Contrast Mechanisms in the Brain at High & Ultra-High Magnetic Fields

Irtiza Ali Gilani¹, Raimo Sepponen²

¹Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre, Low Temperature Laboratory, Aalto University, Espoo, Uusima, Finland; ²Department of Electronics, Aalto University, Espoo, Uusima, Finland

Intrinsic short repetition times and short data acquisition periods of the balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) fMRI scheme allows 3D, distortion-free, isotropic and high-resolution MR imaging. In this work, the principles of classification of the bSSFP fMRI methods for the brain are reviewed. Different modeling methodologies for bSSFP functional contrast are described. Furthermore, a nonbalanced SSFP fMRI is also reviewed. Feasibility analysis of balanced and non-balanced techniques at the high and ultra-high magnetic fields is presented. Additionally, new models for SSFP fMRI contrast in the brain are suggested.