Motion correction of parametric fMRI data from multi-slice single-shot multi-echo acquisitions.

Fast parametric imaging using multi-echo techniques has been proven to yield quantitative parameter maps with high stability for functional MRI (fMRI). Due to the different contrasts and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in the various images, motion correction of the echo images or the resulting parameter maps is not a straightforward process. 3D motion correction of parametric imaging data has not yet been examined thoroughly. However, motion correction is an essential step in fMRI data processing. In this study several possible motion detection methods were tested and compared. Motion parameters can be estimated from the different echo images as well as from the parameter maps. The accuracy of the different methods was examined in simulations and in in vivo experiments. Motion parameters should be estimated from the I(0)-parameter maps and subsequently applied to the T(*)(2)-parameter maps. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.