Perfusion abnormality on three-dimensional arterial spin labeling with a 3T MR system in pediatric and adolescent...

Few studies have assessed the prevalence of perfusion abnormality with migraine. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and topography of perfusion abnormality on three-dimensional (3D) arterial spin labeling (ASL) and assess the correlation between perfusion abnormality and clinical data in pediatric and adolescent patients with migraine.

Forty-nine consecutive pediatric and adolescent patients with migraine were enrolled, and they underwent 3 T MRI, including 3D ASL. Perfusion abnormality on 3D ASL was qualitatively evaluated using a five-point grading system and was compared with non-ASL MR findings. In patients with perfusion abnormality, relative cerebral perfusion signal intensity (rCPS) was measured. Moreover, we compared clinical data and 3D ASL findings between patients with and those without perfusion abnormality.

Of the 49 patients, 11 (22%) exhibited perfusion abnormality, and the occipital lobe was the most frequently involved (73%). One patient showed mild hyperperfusion (rCPS =2.474), and 10 showed hypoperfusion (mean rCPS = 0.405 ± 0.134). There was no abnormality on non-ASL MRI, except in one case. We found statistically significant differences in the presence of aura (P < .001), motor disabilities (P = .019), confusion (P = .004), hospitalization (P = .004), between patients with and those without perfusion abnormality.

In pediatric and adolescent patients with migraine, 3D ASL shows a high prevalence of perfusion abnormality, especially in the occipital lobe. Patients with perfusion abnormality tend to show the specific clinical symptoms at disease onset and need hospitalization.