Measuring cerebral blood flow using magnetic resonance imaging techniques

Magnetic resonance imaging techniques measuring CBF have developed rapidly in the last decade, resulting in a wide range of available methods. The mos t successful approaches are based either on dynamic tracking of a bolus of a paramagnetic contrast agent (dynamic susceptibility contrast) or on arter ial spin labeling. This review discusses their principles, possible pitfall s, and potential for absolute quantification and outlines clinical and neur oscientific applications.