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Technological advances in MRI measurement of brain perfusion
Jeff H Duyn1, Peter van Gelderen, Lalith Talagala
1Advanced MRI Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. jhd@helix.nih.gov
Abstract:
Measurement of brain perfusion using arterial spin labeling (ASL) or dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) based MRI has many potential important clinical applications. However, the clinical application of perfusion MRI has been limited by a number of factors, including a relatively poor spatial resolution, limited volume coverage, and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). It is difficult to improve any of these aspects because both ASL and DSC methods require rapid image acquisition. In this report, recent methodological developments are discussed that alleviate some of these limitations and make perfusion MRI more suitable for clinical application. In particular, the availability of high magnetic field strength systems, increased gradient performance, the use of RF coil arrays and parallel imaging, and increasing pulse sequence efficiency allow for increased image acquisition speed and improved SNR. The use of parallel imaging facilitates the trade-off of SNR for increases in spatial resolution. As a demonstration, we obtained DSC and ASL perfusion images at 3.0 T and 7.0 T with multichannel RF coils and parallel imaging, which allowed us to obtain high-quality images with in-plane voxel sizes of 1.5 x 1.5 mm(2).
Insights
Advanced MRI techniques improve brain perfusion imaging. New methods enhance spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for better clinical applications of arterial spin labeling (ASL) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Neuroimaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Clinical applications of brain perfusion MRI, including arterial spin labeling (ASL) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC), are hindered by limitations such as poor spatial resolution, limited coverage, and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
- These limitations stem from the need for rapid image acquisition inherent in ASL and DSC methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss recent methodological advancements that address the limitations of perfusion MRI.
- To demonstrate how these developments enhance the suitability of perfusion MRI for clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing high magnetic field strength systems (3.0 T and 7.0 T).
- Employing advanced technologies including increased gradient performance, RF coil arrays, and parallel imaging.
- Implementing efficient pulse sequences to increase image acquisition speed and improve SNR.
- Leveraging parallel imaging to balance SNR for enhanced spatial resolution.
Main Results:
- Achieved increased image acquisition speed and improved SNR through methodological developments.
- Demonstrated the capability to obtain high-quality DSC and ASL perfusion images.
- Acquired in-plane voxel sizes as small as 1.5 x 1.5 mm² at 3.0 T and 7.0 T.
Conclusions:
- Recent methodological advancements significantly overcome previous limitations in perfusion MRI.
- High magnetic field strength, advanced hardware, and efficient pulse sequences enable faster, higher-resolution, and higher-SNR brain perfusion imaging.
- These improvements make perfusion MRI, including ASL and DSC, more clinically applicable and valuable for diagnosing neurological conditions.
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