DSC MR Perfusion at 7T MRI: An Initial Single-Center Study for Validity and Practicability.

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Radiology
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background:

• Dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion is standard at 1.5T and 3T MRI.
• Its application and reliability at 7T MRI systems are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity and practicability of DSC perfusion at 7T MRI.
• To assess the feasibility of generating quantitative perfusion maps and analyzing lesions at 7T.

Main Methods:

• DSC perfusion was performed in 9 patients using an FDA-approved 7T MRI system.
• Half-dose contrast with saline flush was administered; acquisition started 45 seconds pre-injection.
• Perfusion parameters (rCBV, rCBF, rMTT, rTTP) were measured in 5 bilateral anatomic locations and enhancing lesions.

Main Results:

• Postprocessing had limitations, including software crashes with large datasets.
• Susceptibility artifacts were mild to moderate in specific brain regions but minimal in others.
• Map quality was excellent to good; quantitative perfusion parameters were consistently measured, and lesions were visualized well on fused maps.

Conclusions:

• DSC perfusion is a viable tool for 7T MRI, allowing reliable measurement of key perfusion parameters.
• High-resolution, fused maps can be generated, aiding in lesion characterization despite postprocessing challenges.