EFFECT OF AGE ON CEREBRAL BLOOD-FLOW - MEASUREMENT WITH UNGATED 2-DIMENSIONAL PHASE-CONTRAST MR-ANGIOGRAPHY IN 250 ADULTS

PURPOSE: To determine the normal values and effects of age and sex on total cerebral blood flow (CBF) as measured with ungated two-dimension al phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. MATERIALS AND M ETHODS: Volume flow rates in the basilar artery and both internal caro tid arteries were measured on two-dimensional phase-contrast MR angiog rams obtained in 250 subjects(age range, 19-88 years; mean age, 50 yea rs) undergoing MR imaging because of indications other than cerebrovas cular disease. Volume flow rates for-the th ree arteries were sum med to obtain the total CBF, and the values were analyzed in terms of age and sex. RESULTS: Mean total CBF was 616 mL/min +/- 143. There was a s ignificant yearly decrease with age in total CBF of 4.8 mL/min (P < .0 01). Mean total CBF ranged from 748 mL/min +/- 121 to 474 mL/min +/- 1 05 in subjects aged 19-29 and 80-89 years respectively. No sex differe nces were found. Mean relative contributions of the right and left int ernal carotid arteries and the basilar artery to total CBF were 41%, 4 0% and 19%, respectively, with no substantial change due to age. CONCL USION: Ungated two-dimensional phase-contrast MR angiography is a usef ul, noninvasive technique for assessing total CBF. By using this techn ique, a significant decrease in total CBF with age was demonstrated.