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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Published in:

01-08-2010

Magnetic resonance perfusion imaging without contrast media

Authors: Petros Martirosian, Andreas Boss, Christina Schraml, Nina F. Schwenzer, Hansjörg Graf, Claus D. Claussen, Fritz Schick

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Special Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Purpose

Principles of magnetic resonance imaging techniques providing perfusion-related contrast weighting without administration of contrast media are reported and analysed systematically. Especially common approaches to arterial spin labelling (ASL) perfusion imaging allowing quantitative assessment of specific perfusion rates are described in detail. The potential of ASL for perfusion imaging was tested in several types of tissue.

Methods

After a systematic comparison of technical aspects of continuous and pulsed ASL techniques the standard kinetic model and tissue properties of influence to quantitative measurements of perfusion are reported. For the applications demonstrated in this paper a flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) ASL perfusion preparation approach followed by true fast imaging with steady precession (true FISP) data recording was developed and implemented on whole-body scanners operating at 0.2, 1.5 and 3 T for quantitative perfusion measurement in various types of tissue.

Results

ASL imaging provides a non-invasive tool for assessment of tissue perfusion rates in vivo. Images recorded from kidney, lung, brain, salivary gland and thyroid gland provide a spatial resolution of a few millimetres and sufficient signal to noise ratio in perfusion maps after 2–5 min of examination time.

Conclusions

Newly developed ASL techniques provide especially high image quality and quantitative perfusion maps in tissues with relatively high perfusion rates (as also present in many tumours). Averaging of acquisitions and image subtraction procedures are mandatory, leading to the necessity of synchronization of data recording to breathing in abdominal and thoracic organs.

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Title: Magnetic resonance perfusion imaging without contrast media
Authors: Petros Martirosian
Andreas Boss
Christina Schraml
Nina F. Schwenzer
Hansjörg Graf
Claus D. Claussen
Fritz Schick
Publication date: 01-08-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue Special Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-010-1456-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Magnetic resonance perfusion imaging without contrast media

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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