Single-shot 2D Radial Echo Planar Imaging using a KWIC Filter and Model-based Reconstruction Approach

High quality brain images at spatial resolutions of 2x2x3 mm3 and 3.3x3.3x3 mm3 were obtained using single-shot 2D rEPI. The approach is based on an R2*, B0 and coil sensitivity informed model-based reconstruction in combination with k-space weighted image contrast (KWIC) filtering. Signal loss due to phase inconsistencies are starkly reduced by the linear phase model and R2* contrast was modifiable by adjusting the target echo time in the model of the reconstruction and KWIC filter. Bold activation maps were generated from fMRI datasets at 2x2 mm2 resolution showing activation in the visual cortex.