Perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the brain: techniques and application in children

Eur Radiol. 2004 Jan;14(1):59-72. doi: 10.1007/s00330-003-1972-y. Epub 2003 Jun 25.

Abstract

Perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (PWI) has been proposed as an attractive non-invasive tool for evaluating cerebral haemodynamics. Quantitative maps of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT), time to peak (TTP) and various other haemodynamic parameters can be obtained. Recent advances in hard- and software made PWI available for clinical routine. Although PWI became common in adult neuroradiology, it remains challenging in pediatric neuroradiology. In this article, the different PWI techniques that render haemodynamic maps of the brain are presented and discussed. The normal developmental changes of the cerebral haemodynamics in children as measured by PWI are presented as well as the application of PWI in cerebral ischaemia, primary and secondary cerebral vasculopathies and in cerebral tumours.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Ischemia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebral Angiography / instrumentation
  • Cerebral Angiography / methods
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Contrast Media
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / instrumentation
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Male
  • Perfusion
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Stroke / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA