TTC post-processing is beneficial for functional MRI at low magnetic field: a comparative study at 1 T and 3 T.
This study aimed to broaden the diagnostic possibilities of low-field MRI systems (i) by examining the feasibility of functional MRI of human brain activation at 1 T, and (ii) by assessing its reliability in comparison with acquisitions at 3 T. Eight subjects were studied at 1 T and 3T using standard echo-planar-imaging sequences at 3-mm isotropic spatial resolution. Paradigms included silent word generation, sequential finger-to-thumb opposition, and passive finger movements. Image post-processing was carried out either with statistical parametric mapping (SPM5, single-subject and group analysis) or with a two-threshold correlation (TTC, single-subject analysis only) analysis. Single-subject analysis with SPM5 resulted in 3-5 times more activated pixels at 3 T than at 1 T in the examined Broca and sensorimotor regions. By comparison, the TTC single-subject analysis yielded the same amount of activated pixels at 3 T and 1 T. Moreover, this number was identical to that obtained with SPM at 3 T. The group analysis with SPM5 resulted in very similar numbers of activated pixels at both field strengths. The present findings suggest that a field strength of 1 T combined with adequate post-processing allows for reliable functional MRI studies of human brain activation. High-field advantages are therefore best invested in higher spatial resolution.
Schwarcz
Attila
A
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary. attila.schwarcz@aok.pte.hu
Auer
Tibor
T
Janszky
Jozsef
J
Doczi
Tamas
T
Merboldt
Klaus-Dietmar
KD
Frahm
Jens
J
D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity