Comparison of BOLD-signal magnitude between a 32-channel and a 12-channel head coil

Abstract

A comparative fMRI study was performed between a 32-channel phased-array head coil and a 12-channel head matrix coil, with and without a signal homogenizing filter, for a complex motor paradigm. The SNR was increased for the 32-channel coil in the cortex and even in the center of the brain after filtering. Regarding the BOLD-magnitude parameter t-value an increased effect for the 32-channel coil could only be marginally demonstrated for cortical regions, whereas subcortical ones showed no differences. As regards the β-value the 32-channel coil showed no improvement for the cortical regions and even a decreased effect size for the subcortical areas. The application of a signal homogenizing filter was advantageous for the subcortical BOLD-signal magnitude but derogatory for the cortical locations. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.