Custom-designed On-line Functional MRI Analysis

On-line image reconstruction, image realignment for motion correction, and statistical functional MRI (fMRI) acquisition for real-time processing. An on-line processing system provides the feedback system to investigators and on-line quality control of fMRI. By adapting the program, Analysis of Functional NeuroImage (AFNI, Medical College of Wisconsin, WI, USA), custom-designed image processing demonstrated on-line evaluation of motion displacement and functional analyses of 6 normal volunteers and a patient with meningioma by applying the paradigm of a motor task. With on-line processing during standard data acquisition at an Octane workstation, processing time was about 40 seconds after completion of image acquisition. On-line functional processing illustrates the potential applications in clinical functional studies and on-line feedback for fMRI experimental design. Easy implementation of the processing configuration can be realized in the standard clinical environment at no additional cost.