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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quantification of Pulmonary Perfusion using Calibrated Arterial Spin Labeling
Published on: May 30, 2011
Quantitative perfusion imaging with pulsed arterial spin labeling: a phantom study
Tomoyuki Noguchi1, Takashi Yoshiura, Akio Hiwatashi
1Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. tnogucci@radiol.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Summary
Pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) using the Q2TIPS sequence accurately quantifies cerebral blood flow in phantoms. This study confirms the analytical validity of PASL for feasible blood flow measurement.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Cerebrovascular Physiology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) is a non-invasive MRI technique for cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurement.
- Existing validation studies for PASL primarily focus on animal and human subjects, with limited fundamental research using flow phantoms.
- Quantitative perfusion imaging requires robust validation of its underlying sequences and kinetic models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the analytical accuracy of the Q2TIPS sequence for quantitative perfusion imaging using a flow phantom.
- To compare theoretical flow rates derived from the Q2TIPS kinetic model with true flow rates in a controlled experimental setup.
- To establish the fundamental performance characteristics of PASL in a phantom model before clinical application.
Main Methods:
- A custom flow phantom was constructed using a syringe, plastic beads, and tubes, with Gd-DTPA-doped water circulated at adjustable flow rates (0-2.61 cm/s).
- The Q2TIPS sequence was employed with specific inversion times (TI(1)=50 ms, TI(2)=1400 ms) and data acquired using single-shot echo planar imaging (EPI).
- Theoretical flow rates were calculated using the established Q2TIPS kinetic model and compared against precisely measured true flow rates.
Main Results:
- A strong linear correlation (R²=0.902) was found between theoretical (F') and true (F) flow rates within the 1.43 to 1.95 cm/s range, described by F'=1.024*F-1.915.
- The ratio of theoretical to true flow rate demonstrated high accuracy, averaging 92% (±4%).
- These results indicate reliable quantification of flow rate when the labeled bolus is fully recovered within the phantom.
Conclusions:
- The Q2TIPS pulse sequence and its kinetic model demonstrate analytical validity for quantitative perfusion imaging.
- PASL, utilizing the Q2TIPS sequence, is a feasible method for accurate blood flow measurement, as confirmed by phantom studies.
- This fundamental validation supports the potential of PASL for reliable CBF assessment in clinical settings.
