Submillimeter Isotropic Whole Brain DTI at 3T with 2D Multi-band Multi-shot EPI Acquisition and Deep Learning Reconstruction

Motivation: High resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is associated with low intrinsic sensitivity and therefore it is difficult to achieve simultaneously high resolution and high SNR. Goal(s): To acquire submillimeter DTI to map human brain structural connectivity networks with improved accuracy and detail than standard resolution DTI. Approach: We combine a deep learning reconstruction method with MB-MUSE to further enhance the image quality and demonstrate improved quantification of submillimeter isotropic (0.8×0.8×0.8 mm3) whole brain DTI at 3T with approximately 1 minute per diffusion direction scan time. Results: The exceptional delineation and clarity of fiber tracking was achieved from submillimeter isotropic whole brain DTI. Impact: Submillimeter isotropic whole brain DTI with approximately 1 minute per diffusion direction scan time at 3T with high SNR, low distortion, provides us with a powerful tool to map whole brain structural connectivity networks with exceptional clarity and quantification.