Influence of labeling parameters and respiratory motion on velocity-selective arterial spin labeling for renal perfusion imaging

PURPOSE: Arterial transit time uncertainties and challenges during planning are potential issues for renal perfusion measurement using spatially selective arterial spin labeling techniques. To mitigate these potential issues, a spatially non-selective technique, such as velocity-selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL), could be an alternative. This article explores the influence of VSASL sequence parameters and respiratory induced motion on VS-label generation.

METHODS: VSASL data were acquired in human subjects (n = 15), with both single and dual labeling, during paced-breathing, while essential sequence parameters were systematically varied; (1) cutoff velocity, (2) labeling gradient orientation and (3) post-labeling delay (PLD). Pseudo-continuous ASL was acquired as a spatially selective reference. In an additional free-breathing single VSASL experiment (n = 9) we investigated respiratory motion influence on VS-labeling. Absolute renal blood flow (RBF), perfusion weighted signal (PWS), and temporal signal-to-noise ratio (tSNR) were determined.

RESULTS: (1) With decreasing cutoff velocity, tSNR and PWS increased. However, undesired tissue labeling occurred at low cutoff velocities (≤ 5.4 cm/s). (2) Labeling gradient orientation had little effect on tSNR and PWS. (3) For single VSASL high signal appeared in the kidney pedicle at PLD < 800 ms, and tSNR and PWS decreased with increasing PLD. For dual VSASL, maximum tSNR occurred at PLD = 1200 ms. Average cortical RBF measured with dual VSASL (264 ± 34 mL/min/100 g) at a cutoff velocity of 5.4 cm/s, and feet-head labeling was slightly lower than with pseudo-continuous ASL (283 ± 55 mL/min/100 g).

CONCLUSION: With well-chosen sequence parameters, tissue labeling induced by respiratory motion can be minimized, allowing to obtain good quality RBF maps using planning-free labeling with dual VSASL.