Comparative overview of brain perfusion imaging techniques.
OBJECTIVE
Numerous imaging techniques have been developed and applied to evaluate brain hemodynamics. Among these are positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, Xenon-enhanced computed tomography, dynamic perfusion computed tomography, MRI dynamic susceptibility contrast, arterial spin labeling, and Doppler ultrasound. These techniques give similar information about brain hemodynamics in the form of parameters such as cerebral blood flow or cerebral blood volume. All of them are used to characterize the same types of pathological conditions. However, each technique has its own advantages and drawbacks.


RESULTS
This article addresses the main imaging techniques dedicated to brain hemodynamics. It represents a comparative overview established by consensus among specialists of the various techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
For clinicians, this article should offer a clearer picture of the pros and cons of currently available brain perfusion imaging techniques and assist them in choosing the proper method for every specific clinical setting.
Wintermark
Max
M
Department of Radiology, University of California, 505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628, USA. Max.Wintermark@radiology.ucsf.edu
Sesay
Musa
M
Barbier
Emmanuel
E
Borbély
Katalin
K
Dillon
William P
WP
Eastwood
James D
JD
Glenn
Thomas C
TC
Grandin
Cécile B
CB
Pedraza
Salvador
S
Soustiel
Jean-François
JF
Nariai
Tadashi
T
Zaharchuk
Greg
G
Caillé
Jean-Marie
JM
Dousset
Vincent
V
Yonas
Howard
H
D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D002138:Calibration; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013113:Spin Labels; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014978:Xenon / Q000494:pharmacology
D003287:Contrast Media; D013113:Spin Labels; D014978:Xenon