Quantitative multiple boli arterial spin labeling

Abstract

Purpose

mbASL relies on the use of a series of adiabatic radio-frequency pulses to label successive boli of blood water. As the sequence is a hybrid of pCASL and PASL, it requires an appropriate kinetic model to accurately describe the signal for quantification purposes.

Theory and methods

Drawing on the Buxton standard kinetic model, we propose modifications to account for the multiple labeling pulses at variable delays. By varying the number of adiabatic pulses and the thickness of the inversion slab, we maximize SNR and demonstrate the hybrid nature of the sequence.

Results

The mbASL kinetic model is used to produce mbASL cerebral blood flow maps, with average values for mice (110 ml/100 g/min) and rats (96 ml/100 g/min).

Conclusion

We have successfully quantified and validated the mbASL kinetic model and demonstrated that the resulting CBF values agree with the existing literature.