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Measuring cerebral blood flow using magnetic resonance imaging techniques.
F Calamante1, D L Thomas, G S Pell
1RCS Unit of Biophysics, Institute of Child Health, University College London Medical School, United Kingdom.
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging for measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF) has advanced, offering methods like dynamic susceptibility contrast and arterial spin labeling. This review covers their principles, challenges, and applications in neuroscience and clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Medical Physics
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurement is crucial for understanding brain function and disease.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for CBF assessment have seen significant development.
- Diverse methodologies now exist, each with unique strengths and limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles of leading MRI techniques for CBF measurement.
- To discuss potential pitfalls and the capacity for absolute quantification.
- To outline current and future clinical and neuroscientific applications.
Main Methods:
- Focus on two primary MRI approaches: dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) and arterial spin labeling (ASL).
- Discussion includes the underlying physics and signal generation for each technique.
- Comparative analysis of their technical requirements and data processing.
Main Results:
- DSC relies on tracking a paramagnetic contrast agent bolus.
- ASL uses endogenous arterial blood as endogenous contrast.
- Both methods show promise for quantitative CBF assessment, though challenges remain.
Conclusions:
- Advanced MRI techniques offer powerful tools for quantifying CBF.
- Understanding the principles and limitations of DSC and ASL is key for accurate application.
- These methods hold significant potential for both clinical diagnostics and neuroscientific research.