Quantitative cerebral blood flow calculation method using white matter lambda in xenon CT

The objective of this work is to propose a quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) calculation method for xenon CT (Xe-CT) by logically estimating the time course change rate (rate constant) of the arterial xenon concentration from that of end-tidal xenon concentration. A single factor, gamma (gamma), which is considered to reflect the diffusing capacity of the lung for xenon, was introduced to correlate the end-tidal rate constant (Kend-tidal) with the arterial rate constant (Karterial). When an appropriate value is given to gamma, it is possible to calculate the arterial rate constant (calculated Karterial) from Kend-tidal. A procedure was developed to determine the gamma value utilizing the characteristics of white matter lambda (lambda). This procedure was applied to three healthy volunteers. The gamma gammaalues for the three subjects were consistent with those directly calculated from end-tidal and arterial (abdominal aorta) xenon data. Hemispheric CBF values with use of calculated Karterial (47.3 +/- 10.3 ml/100 g/min) were close to the reported normative values. We conclude this method could make current Xe-CT examinations substantially reliable and quantitative in measuring CBF.