Functional MRI of the human brain with GRASE-based BOLD contrast

The application of T-2*-weighted gradient and spin-echo (GRASE) imaging was investigated as a method for blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD)-base d functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), The displaced-echo method w as implemented to produce single-shot T-2*-weighted GRASE images. This tech nique removes the requirement that the Carr-Purcell Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) con dition be fulfilled. T-2*-weighted GRASE images that are free from interfer ence artifacts can thus be obtained, hence allowing the possibility of usin g single-shot GRASE for BOLD-based functional imaging. The method was demon strated at 3 T and gave robust and reproducible activation-induced signal c hanges. Magn Reson Med 41:871-876, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.