Potential Impact of a 32-Channel Receiving Head Coil Technology on the Results of a Functional MRI Paradigm

Purpose The authors investigated the potential of a 32-channel (32ch) receiving head coil for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) compared to a standard eight-channel (8ch) coil using a motor task. Material and Methods Brain activation was analyzed in 14 healthy right-handed subjects performing finger tapping with the right index finger (block design) during two experimental sessions, one with the 8ch and one with the 32ch coil (applied in a pseudorandomized order). Additionally, a phantom study was performed to compare signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of both coils. Results During both fMRI sessions, analysis of motor conditions resulted in an activation of the left “hand knob” (precentral gyrus). Application of the 32ch coil obtained additional activation clusters in the right cerebellum, left superior frontal gyrus (SMA), left supramarginal gyrus, and left postcentral gyrus. The phantom study revealed a significantly higher SNR for the 32ch coil compared to the 8ch coil in superficial cortical areas located near the surface of the brain. Conclusion The 32ch technology has a potential impact on fMRI studies, especially in paradigms that result in activation of cortical areas located near the surface of the brain.