Imaging of cerebral activation at 1.5 T: Otimizing a technique for conventional hardware

PURPOSE: To empirically optimize a two-dimensional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique for detecting changes in signal intensity during cerebral activation with a standard clinical imager. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Visual activation experiments were performed while imaging parameters were manipulated in a serial fashion, to test their effect on the percentage change in signal intensity (PCSI). The parameters tested were section thickness, echo time (TE), field of view (FOV), flip angle, radio-frequency (RF) spoiling, number of readout points, and number of signals averaged. RESULTS: The PCSI for visual activation experiments was typically in the 1%-5% range. The best results were achieved with a small section thickness, long TE, and large FOV. Variations in other acquisition parameters had a negligible influence on the PCSI. CONCLUSION: Good results can be obtained at functional MR imaging with standard 1.5-T hardware. Markedly improved results can be obtained by optimizing several key variables, namely, section thickness, TE, and FOV.