Novel MRI approaches for assessing cerebral hemodynamics in ischemic cerebrovascular disease

Stroke. 2012 Mar;43(3):903-15. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.635995. Epub 2012 Feb 16.

Abstract

Changes in cerebral hemodynamics underlie a broad spectrum of ischemic cerebrovascular disorders. An ability to accurately and quantitatively measure hemodynamic (cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume) and related metabolic (cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen) parameters is important for understanding healthy brain function and comparative dysfunction in ischemia. Although positron emission tomography, single-photon emission tomography, and gadolinium-MRI approaches are common, more recently MRI approaches that do not require exogenous contrast have been introduced with variable sensitivity for hemodynamic parameters. The ability to obtain hemodynamic measurements with these new approaches is particularly appealing in clinical and research scenarios in which follow-up and longitudinal studies are necessary. The purpose of this review is to outline current state-of-the-art MRI methods for measuring cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood volume, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen and provide practical tips to avoid imaging pitfalls. MRI studies of cerebrovascular disease performed without exogenous contrast are synopsized in the context of clinical relevance and methodological strengths and limitations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Volume / physiology
  • Brain Ischemia / physiopathology*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Constriction, Pathologic
  • Contrast Media
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Hemodynamics / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Substances

  • Contrast Media