Repeat cerebral blood volume assessment with first-pass MR imaging

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Radiology
• Stroke Research

Background:

• Acute ischemic stroke requires timely diagnosis and monitoring.
• Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI offers insights into tissue perfusion.
• Assessing the feasibility of serial first-pass studies is crucial for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of performing multiple first-pass studies using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.
• To assess the utility of this technique in a feline model of acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemia.

Main Methods:

• Two dynamic series of steady-state free precession (SSFP) images were acquired in cats (n=5) with acute MCA ischemia.
• Studies were performed at 60 and 70 minutes post-occlusion using a 1.5-T imager and gadoteridol contrast agent.
• Intravenous bolus injections of 0.5 mmol/kg gadoteridol were administered for each study.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differentiation between normal and ischemic gray and white matter was achieved in both first-pass studies.
• No significant difference in peak signal intensity was observed between the two studies (P < .01).
• Differences in signal recovery to baseline were noted, likely due to T1 effects.

Conclusions:

• Multiple first-pass dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI studies are feasible in a feline model of acute MCA ischemia.
• This technique can be repeated within a single clinical examination, expanding its diagnostic utility.
• Serial imaging may provide valuable information for managing acute stroke.