Journal article icon

Journal article

Time-encoded pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling: increasing SNR in ASL dynamic angiography

Abstract:
Purpose Dynamic angiography using arterial spin labeling (ASL) can provide detailed hemodynamic information. However, the long time-resolved readouts require small flip angles to preserve ASL signal for later timepoints, limiting SNR. By using time-encoded ASL to generate temporal information, the readout can be shortened. Here, the SNR improvements from using larger flip angles, made possible by the shorter readout, are quantitatively investigated. Methods The SNR of a conventional protocol with nine Look-Locker readouts and a 4 3 time-encoded protocol with three Look-Locker readouts (giving nine matched timepoints) were compared using simulations and in vivo data. Both protocols were compared using readouts with constant flip angles (CFAs) and variable flip angles (VFAs), where the VFA scheme was designed to produce a consistent ASL signal across readouts. Optimization of the background suppression to minimize physiological noise across readouts was also explored. Results The time-encoded protocol increased in vivo SNR by 103% and 96% when using CFAs or VFAs, respectively. Use of VFAs improved SNR compared with CFAs by 25% and 21% for the conventional and time-encoded protocols, respectively. The VFA scheme also removed signal discontinuities in the time-encoded data. Preliminary data suggest that optimizing the background suppression could improve in vivo SNR by a further 16%. Conclusions Time encoding can be used to generate additional temporal information in ASL angiography. This enables the use of larger flip angles, which can double the SNR compared with a non-time-encoded protocol. The shortened time-encoded readout can also lead to improved background suppression, reducing physiological noise and further improving SNR.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

Actions


Access Document


Publisher copy:
10.1002/mrm.29491

Authors


More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
Clinical Neurosciences
Role:
Author


Publisher:
Wiley
Journal:
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine More from this journal
Volume:
89
Issue:
4
Pages:
1323-1341
Publication date:
2022-10-18
Acceptance date:
2022-09-23
DOI:
EISSN:
1522-2594
ISSN:
0740-3194


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1280111
Local pid:
pubs:1280111
Deposit date:
2022-09-28

Terms of use



Views and Downloads






If you are the owner of this record, you can report an update to it here: Report update to this record

TO TOP