Exploring structure and function of sensory cortex with 7 T MRI

Schluppeck, Denis, Sánchez-Panchuelo, Rosa-Maria and Francis, Susan T. (2018) Exploring structure and function of sensory cortex with 7 T MRI. NeuroImage, 164 . pp. 10-17. ISSN 1095-9572

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Abstract

In this paper, we present an overview of 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the detailed function and anatomy of sensory areas of the human brain. We discuss the motivation for the studies, with particular emphasis on increasing the spatial resolution of functional MRI (fMRI) using reduced field-of-view (FOV) data acquisitions. MRI at ultra-high-field (UHF) – defined here as 7 T and above – has several advantages over lower field strengths. The intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of images is higher at UHF, and coupled with the increased blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal change, this results in increased BOLD contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), which can be exploited to improve spatial resolution or detect weaker signals. Additionally, the BOLD signal from the intra-vascular (IV) compartment is relatively diminished compared to lower field strengths. Together, these properties make 7 T functional MRI an attractive proposition for high spatial specificity measures. But with the advantages come some challenges. For example, increased vulnerability to susceptibility-induced geometric distortions and signal loss in EPI acquisitions tend to be much larger. Some of these technical issues can be addressed with currently available tools and will be discussed. We highlight the key methodological considerations for high resolution functional and structural imaging at 7 T. We then present recent data using the high spatial resolution available at UHF in studies of the visual and somatosensory cortex to highlight promising developments in this area.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/902294
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Science > School of Physics and Astronomy
University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Science > School of Psychology
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.01.081
Depositing User: Francis, Susan
Date Deposited: 06 Feb 2017 14:01
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 19:24
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/40332

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