Recent advances in arterial spin labeling perfusion MRI in patients with vascular cognitive impairment

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cognitive impairment (CI) significantly impacts aging populations, potentially progressing to dementia.
• Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) involves cerebrovascular issues contributing to CI, with vascular dysfunction playing a major role.
• Reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in VCI progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL)-based perfusion MRI.
• To highlight ASL's potential in identifying patients at high risk for VCI.
• To discuss the role of ASL in detecting and predicting VCI onset.

Main Methods:

• Focus on Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL), a non-invasive perfusion MRI technique.
• Discuss methodological advancements improving ASL's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and data acquisition.
• Consider ASL in conjunction with other imaging modalities and biomarkers.

Main Results:

• ASL enables qualitative and quantitative assessment of CBF.
• Improved ASL techniques enhance its utility in evaluating VCI patients.
• ASL shows promise for early VCI detection and risk stratification.

Conclusions:

• ASL-based perfusion MRI is a valuable tool for assessing CBF in VCI.
• Advances in ASL facilitate the identification of individuals at high risk for VCI.
• ASL holds significant potential for early VCI detection and guiding prevention strategies.