3D time-resolved vessel-selective angiography based on pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Angiographic imaging is crucial for assessing intracranial arterial status.
• Arterial spin labeling (ASL) allows non-contrast visualization of arteries.
• Modifications enable selective visualization of individual arterial trees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel time-resolved MR angiography approach.
• To selectively visualize individual cerebral arteries using superselective ASL and keyhole accelerated acquisition.
• To achieve visualization within clinically acceptable scan times.

Main Methods:

• Optimized keyhole percentage and flip angle via numerical simulations.
• Validated the superselective ASL and keyhole accelerated MR angiography method in healthy volunteers.
• Achieved time-resolved imaging with high temporal and spatial resolution.

Main Results:

• Image acquisition completed in 5 minutes.
• Temporal resolution of 100 ms achieved.
• Spatial resolution below 1 mm obtained.

Conclusions:

• The developed method enables selective visualization of individual cerebral arteries.
• This technique offers high-resolution, time-resolved imaging in a clinically feasible timeframe.
• It presents a promising advancement for non-contrast intracranial angiography.