Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a new acquisition scheme for T2-weighted BOLD fMRI. It employs a T2 preparation module to induce the BOLD contrast, followed by a single-shot 3D fast gradient echo (GRE) readout with short echo time (TE<2 ms). The separation of BOLD contrast generation from the readout substantially reduces the “dead time” due to long TE required in spin echo (SE) BOLD sequences. This approach termed “3D T2prep-GRE,” can be implemented with any magnetic resonance imaging machine, known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art. This approach is expected to be useful for ultra-high field fMRI studies that require whole brain coverage, or focus on regions near air cavities. The concept of using T2 preparation to generate BOLD contrast can be combined with many other fast imaging sequences at any field strength.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system (78) includes a magnetic resonance imaging device (80), one or more processors (104), and a display (106). The magnetic resonance imaging device (80) includes a magnet (82), gradient coils (88), and one or more radio frequency coils (92). The magnet (82) generates a Bo field. The gradient coils (88) apply gradient fields to the Bo field. The one or more radio frequency coils (92) generate a radio frequency pulse to excite magnetic resonance and measure generated gradient echoes. The one or more processors (104) are configured to activate (116) the one or more radio frequency coils (92) to generate a series of radio frequency pulses spaced by repetition times and to induce magnetic resonance.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a new acquisition scheme for T2-weighted BOLD fMRI. It employs a T2 preparation module to induce the BOLD contrast, followed by a single-shot 3D fast gradient echo (GRE) readout with short echo time (TE<2 ms). The separation of BOLD contrast generation from the readout substantially reduces the “dead time” due to long TE required in spin echo (SE) BOLD sequences. This approach termed “3D T2prep-GRE,” can be implemented with any magnetic resonance imaging machine, known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art. This approach is expected to be useful for ultra-high field fMRI studies that require whole brain coverage, or focus on regions near air cavities. The concept of using T2 preparation to generate BOLD contrast can be combined with many other fast imaging sequences at any field strength.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system (78) includes a magnetic resonance imaging device (80), one or more processors (104), and a display (106). The magnetic resonance imaging device (80) includes a magnet (82), gradient coils (88), and one or more radio frequency coils (92). The magnet (82) generates a Bo field. The gradient coils (88) apply gradient fields to the Bo field. The one or more radio frequency coils (92) generate a radio frequency pulse to excite magnetic resonance and measure generated gradient echoes. The one or more processors (104) are configured to activate (116) the one or more radio frequency coils (92) to generate a series of radio frequency pulses spaced by repetition times and to induce magnetic resonance.