Three-dimensional BOLD fMRI with spin-echo characteristics using T2 magnetization preparation and echo-planar readouts

A new approach to mixed T-2- and T-2*-weighted BOLD fMRI is presented, which combines T-2 magnetization preparation (T2prep) with a series of EPI readouts. This technique allows full 3D, time-efficient imaging to be performed with low RF power deposition. Steady-state calculations are performed in order to study signal formation in 3D T2prep-EPI sequences. Results obtained under the hypothesis of ideal spoiling are compared to full Bloch equation solutions. The theoretical findings are validated by means of in vitro and in vivo signal measurements. Several variants of the 3D T2prep-EPI approach are shown to be usable for visual cortex fMRI and compared to conventional 3D coherent gradient-echo EPI. The relative sensitivity of these sequences is shown to be predictable by means of a simple DeltaT(2)/DeltaT(2)* model. (C) 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.