Motion-robust high-resolution multi-echo 3D gradient echo imaging of the human brain at 10.5 tesla using 80 receive channels

Motivation: There is an increasing interest in T2*-related contrast at ultrahigh field for increased signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios. Goal(s): To demonstrate the feasibility and utility of high-resolution T2*-weighted brain MRI at 10.5 tesla by combining a motion-robust multi-echo gradient-echo method with a high-channel-count RF coil. Approach: Images were collected at 0.5-mm isotropic resolution using a custom 80-channel receive (80Rx) coil and used for quantitative R2* and susceptibility mapping. Results: Our method effectively eliminated artifacts from motion, producing quality images and multi-parametric maps. Parallel imaging performance was improved using the 80Rx coil relative to the commercial 7-tesla Nova 32Rx coil. Impact: The demonstrated feasibility and utility of motion-robust high-resolution multi-echo gradient echo imaging in humans at 10.5 tesla may shed light on future optimal implementation of anatomic T2*-weighted brain MRI at ultrahigh field, paving the way for many neuroscience applications.