Meeting Banner
Abstract #0888

Enabling brain-wide mapping of directed functional connectivity at 3T via layer-dependent fMRI with draining-vein suppression

Wei-Tang Chang1, Weili Lin1, and Kelly Sullivan Giovanello2
1Radiology, UNC at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States, 2Psychology, UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL, Chapel Hill, NC, United States

Synopsis

Keywords: fMRI Acquisition, fMRI, Layer-dependent fMRI

Motivation: Mapping brain-wide directed functional connectivity demands techniques with high spatiotemporal resolution yet current methods fall short.

Goal(s): To improve spatial specificity of GE-BOLD EPI by reducing draining-vein contamination without compromising speed.

Approach: Incorporating velocity-nulling (VN) gradients into a GE-BOLD fMRI sequence at 3T. We also integrated NORDIC denoising to enhance signal sensitivity.

Results: The VN fMRI method demonstrated decent spatial specificity, evidenced by identifying double-peak activation patterns within the M1 area during a finger-tapping task. This technique showed enhanced robustness across participants compared to conventional fMRI. Our findings on directed functional connectivity reveal layer-specific relationships that closely align with the existing literature.

Impact: Leveraging its comprehensive brain coverage and efficient scan time, VN fMRI has yielded promising results in directed FC studies. Given the widespread accessibility of 3T scanners, we anticipate this development will have a significant impact across multiple neuroscience research domains.

How to access this content:

For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.

After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.

After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.

Click here for more information on becoming a member.

Keywords