Thomas
W. Okell1, Michael A. Chappell, 12, Ursula G. Schulz3,
Peter Jezzard1
1FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom; 2Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom; 3Stroke Prevention Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Vessel-encoded dynamic angiography with arterial spin labeling is able to produce artery-specific images qualitatively showing the blood flow patterns, vessel morphology and hemodynamics. Here we develop a kinetic model to describe the signal in such acquisitions, allowing the generation of parameter maps relating to blood volume, arrival time and dispersion, which may provide useful biomarkers of disease. These parameters are also used to generate intuitive inflow images and calculate the relative blood volume flow rates in downstream vessels from each feeding artery. Results from application of these methods in healthy volunteers and a patient with Moyamoya disease are shown.