The olfactory cortex is difficult to image with conventional EPI-fMRI due to susceptibility artifacts especially at 7T. T2-prepared (T2prep) fMRI is an alternative method to reduce such artifacts. Here, we show that T2prep-fMRI offers superior temporal signal-to-noise ratio in the olfactory cortex over EPI-fMRI at 7T. The signal characteristics detected using T2prep-fMRI during short (6s) and long (60s) olfactory stimulation were consistent with literature. During the long stimulus, fMRI signals in the olfactory cortex returned to baseline in 5-10s, and activation of secondary olfactory regions (insular, orbitofrontal) were observed, which can be attributed to habituation effects in the olfactory system.
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