High-resolution whole-brain diffusion MRI using a head-only ultra-high performance gradient system at 3T

Motivation: Current hardware limitations of standard whole-body MRI systems require impractically long scan times, complex acquisitions and reconstruction methods to achieve voxel sizes smaller than the standard isotropic 2-2.5 mm resolution used for diffusion MRI (dMRI) studies. Goal(s): To leverage an ultra-high performance gradient system for high-quality whole-brain connectome-level dMRI within practical acquisition times. Approach: Three adult volunteers underwent whole-brain multi-shell dMRI with three isotropic resolutions (1.0-,1.5-, 2.0-mm) using a head-only GE 3T MAGNUS gradient system. Results: Acquisition times were ~4.5, ~6.5, and ~13.5 min from lowest to highest resolution. At higher resolution noise and geometric distortions increased, while fine image detail improved. Impact: High-performance gradient systems significantly enhance dMRI speed and spatial resolution, facilitating data collection across populations and allowing for more accurate quantification of brain cortex micro-structure and fine structures in regions like the brainstem.