Cerebral blood flow quantification in swine using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Physiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is crucial for brain function.
• Swine models offer valuable insights into human cerebrovascular physiology.
• Accurate CBF quantification is essential for understanding neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) imaging in swine using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL).
• To adapt PCASL techniques considering swine cerebrovascular anatomy and physiology.
• To validate PCASL for reliable CBF and arterial transit time (ATT) measurements in a swine model.

Main Methods:

• Developed and optimized PCASL parameters for swine, including labeling efficiency and velocity.
• Measured key physiological parameters such as T1bl, M0bl, and T1gm in swine.
• Generated quantitative CBF and ATT maps from PCASL data in two subjects.

Main Results:

• Achieved an average labeling efficiency of 0.930 across measured velocities (5-18 cm/s).
• Determined average physiological values: T1bl (1546 ms), T1gm (1224 ms), and M0 ratio (1.25).
• Reported global average CBF of 54.05 mL/100 g/min and ATT of 1261 ms.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrated the feasibility of PCASL for quantitative CBF imaging in swine.
• PCASL in swine provides an accessible and cost-effective model for human cerebral perfusion research.
• This model can advance the investigation of injuries impacting cerebral blood flow.