2D RF Versus Slice Selective RF Tagging Pulses in Brain ASL

Simon Konstandin¹, Patrick Michael Heiler¹, Lothar Rudi Schad¹

Standard perfusion ASL methods use inversion pulses in a transversal slice to determine the cerebral perfusion territories of all major blood vessels. In this work, we implemented a two-dimensional selective inversion pulse to tag either the left or the right internal carotid artery (ICA). Alternatively, a sagittal slice selective inversion pulse along the ICA was used to tag the inflowing blood. Resulting ASL images and relative perfusion signals were compared to determine the optimal measurement technique. The method using the sagittal labeling slice delivers higher perfusion values. But the technique using the 2D RF pulse is more selective.