QUIPSS II with thin-slice TI1 periodic saturation: A method for improving accuracy of quantitative perfusion imaging using pulsed arterial spin labeling

Quantitative imaging of perfusion using a single subtraction, second versio n (QUIPSS II) is a pulsed arterial spin labeling (ASL) technique for improv ing the quantitation of perfusion imaging by minimizing two major systemati c errors: the variable transit delay from the distal edge of the tagged reg ion to the imaging slices, and the contamination by intravascular signal fr om tagged blood that flows through the imaging slices. However, residual er rors remain due to incomplete saturation of spins over the slab-shaped tagg ed region by the QUIPSS II saturation pulse, and spatial mismatch of the di stal edge of the saturation and inversion slice profiles. By replacing the original QUIPSS II saturation pulse with a train of thin-slice periodic sat uration pulses applied at the distal end of the tagged region, the accuracy of perfusion quantitation is improved. Results of single and multislice st udies are reported, (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.