Resting-State Functional Connectivity Mapping in Humans Using Spin-Echo EPI BOLD

Yasha Khatamian¹, J. Jean Chen²

This study investigated the use of spin-echo vs. gradient-echo BOLD for mapping resting-state functional connectivity in humans. We performed connectivity analyses to the posterior cingulate cortex, parahippocampal cortex, and head of the caudate. While spin echo provided robust connectivity maps overall, its sensitivity to the default mode network was lower than gradient echo. Importantly, spin echo was able to map connectivity in regions affected by susceptibility artifacts, such as the subcortical nuclei and the medial temporal lobes. Therefore, spin-echo BOLD may be a good alternative to gradient echo for resting-state functional studies.