Use of radio-frequency field gradients to image blood flow and perfusion in vivo

A magnetic resonance imaging method based on the use of radio-frequency (RF) magnetic field gradients to detect molecular motion has been combined with GRASS (gradient-recalled acquisition in a steady state) imaging to detect arterial blood flow in vivo. The method has been used to selectively attenuate signals from flowing blood in the human finger. Attenuation of signals from arterial blood was greatly reduced when blood flow was decreased with the application of a tourniquet. This result demonstrated the sensitivity of the technique to the rate of blood flow. RF gradient coils can be used to generate very high RF gradients with submicrosecond rise times and minimal eddy currents. Therefore, this method may prove useful for imaging very slow, nonuniform flow through capillary beds and in the extravascular space.