Resting state BOLD functional connectivity at 3T: spin echo versus gradient echo EPI.

摘要: Previous evidence showed that, due to refocusing of static dephasing effects around large vessels, spin-echo (SE) BOLD signals offer an increased linearity and promptness with respect gradient-echo (GE) acquisition, even at low field. These characteristics suggest despite the reduced sensitivity, SE fMRI might also provide a potential benefit when investigating spontaneous fluctuations brain activity. However, there are no reports on application for connectivity studies In this study we compared resting state functional as measured GE EPI sequences 3T. Main results within subject, sensitivity is overall larger that SE, but less extent than previously reported activation studies. Noteworthy, was counterbalanced by inter-subject variability, resulting in comparable group statistical maps two sequences. Furthermore, method performed better ventral portion default mode network, region affected signal dropout standard acquisition. Future should clarify if these features can be beneficial distinguish subtle variations across different populations and/or treatments vascular confounds or regions critical issue.