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MR Vascular Fingerprinting in Stroke and Brain Tumors Models
B Lemasson1,2, N Pannetier3,4, N Coquery1,2
1Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, GIN, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
Abstract:
In this study, we evaluated an MRI fingerprinting approach (MRvF) designed to provide high-resolution parametric maps of the microvascular architecture (i.e., blood volume fraction, vessel diameter) and function (blood oxygenation) simultaneously. The method was tested in rats (n = 115), divided in 3 models: brain tumors (9 L, C6, F98), permanent stroke, and a control group of healthy animals. We showed that fingerprinting can robustly distinguish between healthy and pathological brain tissues with different behaviors in tumor and stroke models. In particular, fingerprinting revealed that C6 and F98 glioma models have similar signatures while 9 L present a distinct evolution. We also showed that it is possible to improve the results of MRvF and obtain supplemental information by changing the numerical representation of the vascular network. Finally, good agreement was found between MRvF and conventional MR approaches in healthy tissues and in the C6, F98, and permanent stroke models. For the 9 L glioma model, fingerprinting showed blood oxygenation measurements that contradict results obtained with a quantitative BOLD approach. In conclusion, MR vascular fingerprinting seems to be an efficient technique to study microvascular properties in vivo. Multiple technical improvements are feasible and might improve diagnosis and management of brain diseases.
Insights
MRI vascular fingerprinting (MRvF) accurately maps brain microvasculature and oxygenation in rats. This technique distinguishes healthy from diseased tissues in stroke and tumor models, offering potential for improved brain disease diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroimaging
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Assessing brain microvascular architecture and function is crucial for diagnosing and managing neurological diseases.
- Conventional MRI techniques often provide limited or indirect information about microvascular properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel MRI fingerprinting (MRvF) approach for simultaneous high-resolution mapping of microvascular architecture and blood oxygenation.
- To assess the efficacy of MRvF in distinguishing between healthy and pathological brain tissues in various disease models.
Main Methods:
- MR vascular fingerprinting (MRvF) was applied to 115 rats across three models: brain tumors (9L, C6, F98), permanent stroke, and healthy controls.
- Numerical representation of the vascular network was altered to explore potential improvements in MRvF results.
- MRvF findings were compared with conventional MRI approaches, including quantitative BOLD.
Main Results:
- MRvF successfully differentiated healthy brain tissue from tumor and stroke models.
- Distinct vascular signatures were observed for different glioma models (C6/F98 vs. 9L).
- Good agreement was found between MRvF and conventional MRI in healthy tissues and most disease models, with discrepancies noted in the 9L glioma model's oxygenation measurements.
Conclusions:
- MR vascular fingerprinting is a promising in vivo technique for characterizing microvascular properties.
- Potential technical improvements exist that could enhance diagnostic capabilities for brain diseases.
- MRvF offers a valuable tool for studying microvascular changes in neurological conditions.
