Using a high-performance gradient system, multi-band multi-echo fMRI with high temporal and spatial resolutions was acquired. The multi-echo images can be combined based on the weighting of local T2*. The echo-combination improves both the signal intensity and temporal SNR, particularly in regions suffering from signal dropout due to iron deposition like the basal ganglia. Also, the echo-combined images were demonstrated to be superior to the single-echo images for studying functional connectivity due to increased BOLD contrast sensitivity. Multi-echo fMRI is particularly promising for studies of aging and dementia as iron deposition and brain atrophy confound analyses.
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