Susan T. Francis1, Roman Wesolowski1, Emma L. Hall1, Penny A. Gowland1
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Centre, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
The feasibility of LL-FAIR, also known as ITSFAIR or QUASAR, at 7T is demonstrated. LL-FAIR is implemented using optimised readout pulse timing and flip angles to suppress the static tissue signal, thus providing inherent background suppression to reduce physiological noise. Increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and relaxation times at 7T result in increased sensitivity. Arterial Cerebral Blood Volume (CBVa) and Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) data are collected at high spatial resolution, with improved Mbo estimation due to reduced partial volume effects. Functional CBF and CBVa maps show improved spatial localisation and reduced physiological noise compared to BOLD, with the possibility of mapping changes to a single activation cycle.