Application of zero-echo time pulse sequence for functional MRI.

Motivation: Zero-echo time (ZTE) sequence reduces susceptibility artifacts compared to echo planar imaging (EPI). However, the feasibility of ZTE for functional MRI (fMRI) has not been fully investigated. Goal(s): Our goal was to assess the feasibility of ZTE for fMRI. Approach: Time-course of ZTE, gradient echo (GE)-EPI, and spin echo (SE)-EPI signal changes by somatosensory stimulation was investigated. The functional connectivity in resting state ZTE, GE-EPI, SE-EPI was also compared. Results: The results indicate that ZTE is useful for fMRI. Impact: ZTE sequences realize the fMRI that is robust to susceptibility artifacts.