Multiresolution data acquisition and detection in functional MRI

In an investigation of a multiresolution and multistaged approach in functi onal MRI, the relationship between spatial resolution and detection of func tional activation is examined. The difference between functional detection and mapping is defined, and a multiresolution approach to functional detect ion is analyzed by constructing simple theoretical and experimental models simulating variations of in-plane resolution. Experimentally measured blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal changes as well as BOLD contrast -to-noise ratio (CNR) with respect to different spatial resolutions are com pared with results from theoretical predictions and simulation. From both a n experimental and a theoretical perspective, it is shown that BOLD CNR and , thus, the concomitant detection of the functional activation are maximize d when the resolution matches the size of activation. (C) 2001 Academic Pre ss.