Quantitative MR imaging of cerebral blood flow using a 2-coil system

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When measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF) by arterial spin labeling (ASL), saturation of macromolecular hydrated water greatly reduces tissue water magnetization and the sensitivity of this technique. In this study, a two-coil system was used to accomplish ASL without saturation of macromolecular spins for MR imaging of cerebral perfusion in rats without and with hemispheric infarct. In 8 normal rats, Tl and CBF were 1.69±0.27s and 168±30ml/100g/min (average±standard deviation), respectively. In all ten rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion using 4-0 nylon suture, existence of the ipsilateral hemispheric infarct was confirmed by TTC staining 24hours after occlusion. Tl and CBF in the contralateral hemisphere were 1.76±0.31s and 151 ±38ml/100g/min, respectively, similar to those values in normal rats. On the other hand, in the ipsi lateral hemisphere, Tl was 2.11±0.36s, slightly higher than in the contralateral hemisphere and in healthy rats. CBF in the ipsilateral hemisphere was 44±39ml/100g/min, much lower than the control values. These values were thought to be almost equivalent compared with reported values in the previous literatures. Although, in the clinical settings, the quantification of the CBF using ASL is not established in practical use, this study suggests that ASL using a two-coil system may be robust enough to perceive changes in CBF of ischemic neuronal tissue. Further data from much larger materials and human patients are required to validate this method.