Dynamic observation of pulmonary perfusion using continuous arterial spin-labelling in a pig model

The continuous arterial spin-labeling (CASL) method of perfusion MRI is use d to observe pulmonary perfusion dynamically in an animal model. Specifical ly, a respiratory-triggered implementation of the CASL method is used with approximate spatial resolution of 0.9 x 1.8 X 5.0 mm (0.008 cc) and 2-minut e temporal resolution. Perfusion MRI is performed dynamically during repeat ed balloon occlusion of a segmental pulmonary artery, as well as during pha rmacological stimulation. A total of three Yorkshire pigs were studied. The results demonstrate the ability of the endogenous spin-labeling method to characterize the dynamic changes in pulmonary perfusion that occur during i mportant physiological alterations. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.