Feasibility of ultra-fast, high-resolution, T2*-weighted brain imaging using 3D echo-planar imaging and CAIPIRINHA

High-resolution T2*-weighted brain imaging using 3D echo planar imaging (3D-EPI) at 3T allows detection of new biomarkers of neurological disorders, such as the central vein sign in multiple sclerosis. However, current 3D-EPI scan times are suboptimal for a widespread implementation in hospitals and private imaging centers. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of combining 3D-EPI acquisition with different CAIPIRINHA undersampling patterns. A significant reduction in scan time (up to 70% reduction) was achieved without any obvious aliasing artifacts, confirming the feasibility of ultra-fast, high-resolution T2* brain imaging for future clinical applications at 3T.