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A major assumption in arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI perfusion quantification is the time course of the signal on arrival in the capillary network. The normally assumed square label profile is not preserved during transit of the label through the vasculature. This change in profile can be attributed to a number of effects collectively denoted as dispersion. A number of models for this effect have been proposed, but they have been difficult to validate. In this study ASL data acquired whilst the label was still within larger arteries was used to compare models of label dispersion. Models were fit using a probabilistic algorithm and evaluated according to their ability to fit the data. Data from an elderly population were considered including both healthy controls and patients with a variety of vascular disease. The authors conclude that modeling ASL dispersion using a convolution of the ideal ASL label profile with a dispersion kernel is most appropriate, where the kernel itself takes the form of a gamma distribution. This model provided a best fit to the data considered, was consistent with the measured flow profile in arteries and was sufficiently mathematically simple to make it practical for ASL tissue perfusion quantification.

Original publication

DOI

10.1002/mrm.24260

Type

Journal article

Journal

Magn Reson Med

Publication Date

02/2013

Volume

69

Pages

563 - 570

Keywords

Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Algorithms, Arteries, Blood Flow Velocity, Computer Simulation, Female, Humans, Image Enhancement, Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted, Magnetic Resonance Angiography, Male, Middle Aged, Models, Cardiovascular, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Reproducibility of Results, Sensitivity and Specificity, Spin Labels