[Arterial spin labeling: state of the art]

J Radiol. 2009 Sep;90(9 Pt 1):1031-7. doi: 10.1016/s0221-0363(09)73242-1.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion MR imaging is a technique by which water from circulating arterial blood is magnetically labeled and acts as a diffusible tracer allowing non-invasive measurement of cerebral blood flow. In this paper, the technique and current applications in neuroimaging will be reviewed.

Current status: First, the technical principles of ASL will be reviewed and both available techniques (continuous and pulsed ASL) explained. A review of the literature will demonstrate advances with the techniques of ASL and its clinical impact. Clinical research involves normal volunteers and patients with ischemic and tumoral pathologies.

Conclusion: Recent technical advances have improved the sensitivity of ASL perfusion MR imaging. The routine clinical use of ASL at 3.0 Tesla should increase over the next few years.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography*