Optimization of background suppression for arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging.
OBJECTIVE
To present an algorithm for optimization of background suppression pulse timing for arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion imaging.


METHODS
An algorithm for optimization of background suppression pulse timing is proposed. Numerical optimization of timing of the background suppression pulses is investigated in both constrained and unconstrained ASL sequences. The performance of the parameters from the algorithm is evaluated in phantom and also in vivo in five human subjects.


RESULTS
The background signal is suppressed to less than 1% across a broad range of T1s with a modest number of inversion pulses using the timings acquired from the numerical optimization algorithm proposed in this study. The performance of the parameters from the algorithm is also confirmed in vivo.


CONCLUSIONS
Successful background suppression over a broad range of tissues is achievable. Values for optimal pulse timing in both pulsed and continuous ASL studies are reported to facilitate sequence design with different labeling parameters.
Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. nasim.maleki@childrens.harvard.edu
Nasim
N
Maleki
Weiying
W
Dai
David C
DC
Alsop
D000465:Algorithms; D001158:Arteries; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D055420:Perfusion Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D013113:Spin Labels; D013382:Subtraction Technique
D013113:Spin Labels