Arterial spin labelling: final steps to make it a clinical reality

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Arterial Spin Labelling (ASL) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique developed in the early 1990s.
• Significant advancements in pulse sequences and hardware have enhanced ASL image quality and reduced scan times.
• Despite its routine use in research, ASL's clinical application is limited due to technical variability and complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the ASL Network initiative and a European COST Action.
• To highlight efforts towards harmonizing ASL pulse sequences and post-processing pipelines.
• To foster communication among researchers and clinicians for broader ASL adoption in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• The establishment of the ASL Network as a collaborative platform.
• Securing European Grant funding from the COST Office for ASL Network activities.
• Focusing on ASL applications in dementia research.

Main Results:

• The ASL Network aims to provide guidance for MRI manufacturers.
• The initiative seeks to create a common post-processing pipeline for ASL.
• The COST Action specifically supports ASL applications in dementia.

Conclusions:

• Standardization and improved communication are crucial for advancing ASL in clinical settings.
• The ASL Network and COST Action are key drivers for overcoming barriers to ASL implementation.
• These initiatives facilitate the translation of ASL research into routine clinical practice, particularly for neurodegenerative diseases.