FUNCTIONAL CIRCULATION AND BLOOD-BRAIN PERMEABILITY IMAGES BY ANGIO-CT IN THE ASSESSMENT OF CEREBRAL-ISCHEMIA

We performed rapid sequential computerized tomography (CT) scanning fo llowing i.v. injection of a bolus of contrast medium, and generated th ree functional images related, respectively, to intravascular circulat ion time (rABCT), vascular volume density (V(upsilon)) and blood-brain barrier (BBB) unidirectional constant uptake rate (K(i)). This was ac complished by calculating the first mathematical moment of the monitor ed time-density curves about the injection time, and by the multiple t ime graph analysis described by Patlack and coworkers. A satisfactory resolution was achieved, allowing separate appreciation of changes in rABCT both at large vessels and at tissue small vessels. Combined eval uation of rABCT and V(upsilon) images allowed us to draw qualitative c onclusions about blood flow and perfusion reserve.