Applications of Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) Perfusion MRI in Clinical Pediatric Neuroimaging

Arastoo Vossough¹, Robert A. Zimmerman¹, Tamara Feygin¹

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion imaging has many potential clinical advantages over gadolinium based brain perfusion methods in the imaging of children. In this educational exhibit we will demonstrate the clinical utility of various neuroimaging applications of ASL perfusion in the pediatric population. Various clinical applications such as arterial ischemic stroke, moyamoya disease, hypoxic-ischemic injury, migraine, vascular malformations, congenital heart disease, and postradiation therapy will be illustrated. Use of ASL in the imaging evaluation of pediatric brain masses and tumors will be exemplified. Specific limitations and interpretive nuances in the use of ASL perfusion will be discussed.