Real-time Multislice-to-volume Motion Correction with B1+ Shimming for Task-based Functional MRI at 7T

Motivation: 7T MRI has the capacity for higher resolution imaging, but is also more sensitive to motion artefacts and B1+ field inhomogeneity. A motion-robust, B1+ homogeneous technique will enable routine 7T usage for motion-sensitive protocols such as in fMRI. Goal(s): Our goal was to develop integrated real-time motion correction and parallel transmission technique that improves the data quality in 7T fMRI. Approach: The multislice-to-volume motion correction technique and the capability to execute slice-specific B1+ shims were integrated into an in-house-developed EPI sequence. A cohort was scanned in a task fMRI study. Results: The combined technique demonstrated reduced motion, increased brain activation and improved tSNR. Impact: With improved data quality, the integrated real-time motion correction and B1+ shimming parallel transmission technique provides an option for better statistical parametric mapping in neuroscience studies with 7T fMRI, and potentially benefiting other future 7T applications.