Quantification of cerebral perfusion and cerebrovascular reserve using Turbo-QUASAR arterial spin labeling MRI

To compare cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) quantification from Turbo-QUASAR (quantitative signal targeting with alternating radiofrequency labeling of arterial regions) arterial spin labeling (ASL) and single post-labeling delay pseudo-continuous ASL (PCASL).

A model-based method was developed to quantify CBF and arterial transit time (ATT) from Turbo-QUASAR, including a correction for magnetization transfer effects caused by the repeated labeling pulses. Simulations were performed to assess the accuracy of the model-based method. Data from an in vivo experiment conducted on a healthy cohort were retrospectively analyzed to compare the CBF and CVR (induced by acetazolamide) measurement from Turbo-QUASAR and PCASL on the basis of global and regional differences. The quality of the two ASL data sets was examined using the coefficient of variation (CoV).

The model-based method for Turbo-QUASAR was accurate for CBF estimation (relative error was 8% for signal-to-noise ratio = 5) in simulations if the bolus duration was known. In the in vivo experiment, the mean global CVR estimated by Turbo-QUASAR and PCASL was between 63% and 64% and not significantly different. Although global CBF values of the two ASL techniques were not significantly different, regional CBF differences were found in deep gray matter in both pre- and postacetazolamide conditions. The CoV of Turbo-QUASAR data was significantly higher than PCASL.

Both ASL techniques were effective for quantifying CBF and CVR, despite the regional differences observed. Although CBF estimated from Turbo-QUASAR demonstrated a higher variability than PCASL, Turbo-QUASAR offers the advantage of being able to measure and control for variation in ATT.