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CBF measured by Xe-CT: approach to analysis and normal values
Insights
This study establishes normal reference values for cerebral blood flow (CBF) using xenon-enhanced CT (Xe-CT). It provides a practical method for analyzing CBF, noting age-related declines in high-flow areas.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Routine clinical analysis of cerebral blood flow (CBF) requires established normal reference values.
- Xenon-enhanced computed tomography (Xe-CT) is a valuable tool for CBF imaging, but interpretation can be challenging without normative data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal reference values for CBF using Xe-CT.
- To develop a practical and uncomplicated method for analyzing Xe-CT CBF studies.
Main Methods:
- CBF was measured in 67 normal individuals using a GE 9800 CT scanner with stable xenon.
- Vascular territories were analyzed using clustered regions of interest (ROIs) in cortical and subcortical areas.
- High and low flow compartments were sampled using 5-mm ROIs.
Main Results:
- Mixed cortical flows averaged 51 ± 10 ml/100g/min.
- High flow compartments averaged 84 ± 14 ml/100g/min, and low flow compartments averaged 20 ± 5 ml/100g/min.
- Significant age-related declines were observed in mixed cortical and high flow compartments, but not in low flow compartments.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a normative database for Xe-CT CBF analysis.
- A flexible and uncomplicated method for analyzing CBF maps generated by Xe-CT has been developed.
- These findings aid in the routine clinical interpretation of Xe-CT CBF studies.
Abstract:
Normal reference values and a practical approach to CBF analysis are needed for routine clinical analysis and interpretation of xenon-enhanced computed tomography (CT) CBF studies. We measured CBF in 67 normal individuals with the GE 9800 CT scanner adapted for CBF imaging with stable Xe. CBF values for vascular territories were systematically analyzed using the clustering of contiguous 2-cm circular regions of interest (ROIs) placed within the cortical mantle and basal ganglia. Mixed cortical flows averaged 51 +/- 10ml.100g-1.min-1. High and low flow compartments, sampled by placing 5-mm circular ROIs in regions containing the highest and lowest flow values in each hemisphere, averaged 84 +/- 14 and 20 +/- 5 ml.100 g-1.min-1, respectively. Mixed cortical flow values as well as values within the high flow compartment demonstrated significant decline with age; however, there were no significant age-related changes in the low flow compartment. The clustering of systematically placed cortical and subcortical ROIs has provided a normative data base for Xe-CT CBF and a flexible and uncomplicated method for the analysis of CBF maps generated by Xe-enhanced CT.