High Temporal Resolution Quantification of Global CMRO2 During Apneic Challenge

Zach Rodgers¹, Varsha Jain¹, Michael Langham², Felix W. Wehrli²

CMRO₂ was quantified during an apnea paradigm using an interleaved, multi-slice GRE pulse sequence. A temporal resolution of five seconds was achieved through a combination of projection velocity quantification and keyhole phase difference mapping to derive venous oxygen saturation (S_vO₂). CMRO₂ was observed to remain constant during apnea due to a concomitant increase in flow and S_vO₂, but drop immediately post-apnea due to a delay in the equilibration of S_vO₂ relative to flow. The technique described can be applied to study cerebral metabolism and neurovascular coupling during dynamic physiologic challenges.