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Continuous arterial spin labeling using a train of adiabatic inversion pulses
Bradford A Moffat1, Thomas L Chenevert, Daniel E Hall
1Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|February 22, 2005
Summary
A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique offers a simpler, single-coil method for measuring brain blood flow. This approach provides accurate quantitative blood flow measurements in normal brain and tumors, improving upon existing continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) methods.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Accurate measurement of brain blood flow is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring neurological conditions, including brain tumors.
- Current continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) techniques for quantitative blood flow measurement can be complex and require specialized equipment.
- There is a need for simpler, more robust MRI methods for blood flow quantification in the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified and robust magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequence for quantitative blood flow measurement in the brain and cerebral tumors.
- To provide a practical alternative to existing continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) schemes with improved implementation advantages.
Main Methods:
- A single-coil MRI protocol utilizing a train of hyperbolic secant inversion pulses was developed.
- This method generates continuous arterial spin inversion for perfusion weighting in fast spin echo images.
- Flow maps were acquired in normal rat brains and a 9L gliosarcoma orthotopic tumor model, with and without carbogen administration.
Main Results:
- The developed perfusion-weighted MRI technique demonstrated reduced magnetization transfer signal degradation compared to traditional single-coil CASL.
- Blood flow measurements in tumor and normal brain tissues were consistent with previously reported CASL techniques.
- Carbogen breathing increased blood flow in normal brain tissue but not in tumor tissue, indicating differential CO(2) reactivity.
Conclusions:
- This novel variation of CASL is a quantitative, robust, and practical single-coil method for measuring brain blood flow.
- The technique avoids the need for specialized radiofrequency coils or amplifiers, facilitating integration into standard rodent neuroimaging protocols.
- This method offers a more accessible approach for quantitative blood flow assessment in preclinical brain research.