Showing papers on "Perfusion scanning published in 2016"

Cerebral blood flow and autoregulation: current measurement techniques and prospects for noninvasive optical methods.

Abstract: Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral autoregulation (CA) are critically important to maintain proper brain perfusion and supply the brain with the necessary oxygen and energy substrates. Adequate brain perfusion is required to support normal brain function, to achieve successful aging, and to navigate acute and chronic medical conditions. We review the general principles of CBF measurements and the current techniques to measure CBF based on direct intravascular measurements, nuclear medicine, X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound techniques, thermal diffusion, and optical methods. We also review techniques for arterial blood pressure measurements as well as theoretical and experimental methods for the assessment of CA, including recent approaches based on optical techniques. The assessment of cerebral perfusion in the clinical practice is also presented. The comprehensive description of principles, methods, and clinical requirements of CBF and CA measurements highlights the potentially important role that noninvasive optical methods can play in the assessment of neurovascular health. In fact, optical techniques have the ability to provide a noninvasive, quantitative, and continuous monitor of CBF and autoregulation.

Comparison of Perfusion CT Software to Predict the Final Infarct Volume After Thrombectomy.

Abstract: Background and Purpose— Computed tomographic perfusion represents an interesting physiological imaging modality to select patients for reperfusion therapy in acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of our study was to determine the accuracy of different commercial perfusion CT software packages (Philips (A), Siemens (B), and RAPID (C)) to predict the final infarct volume (FIV) after mechanical thrombectomy. Methods— Single-institutional computed tomographic perfusion data from 147 mechanically recanalized acute ischemic stroke patients were postprocessed. Ischemic core and FIV were compared about thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score and time interval to reperfusion. FIV was measured at follow-up imaging between days 1 and 8 after stroke. Results— In 118 successfully recanalized patients (TICI 2b/3), a moderately to strongly positive correlation was observed between ischemic core and FIV. The highest accuracy and best correlation are shown in early and fully recanalized patients (Pearson r for A=0.42, B=0.64, and C=0.83; P P Conclusions— Our study demonstrates best accuracy and approximation between the results of a fully automated software (RAPID) and FIV, especially in early and fully recanalized patients. Furthermore, this software package overestimated the FIV to a significantly lower degree and estimated a malignant mismatch profile less often than other software.

Ischemic core and hypoperfusion volumes predict infarct size in SWIFT PRIME.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE Within the context of a prospective randomized trial (SWIFT PRIME), we assessed whether early imaging of stroke patients, primarily with computed tomography (CT) perfusion, can estimate the size of the irreversibly injured ischemic core and the volume of critically hypoperfused tissue. We also evaluated the accuracy of ischemic core and hypoperfusion volumes for predicting infarct volume in patients with the target mismatch profile. METHODS Baseline ischemic core and hypoperfusion volumes were assessed prior to randomized treatment with intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) alone versus IV tPA + endovascular therapy (Solitaire stent-retriever) using RAPID automated postprocessing software. Reperfusion was assessed with angiographic Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scores at the end of the procedure (endovascular group) and Tmax > 6-second volumes at 27 hours (both groups). Infarct volume was assessed at 27 hours on noncontrast CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS A total of 151 patients with baseline imaging with CT perfusion (79%) or multimodal MRI (21%) were included. The median baseline ischemic core volume was 6 ml (interquartile range= 0-16). Ischemic core volumes correlated with 27-hour infarct volumes in patients who achieved reperfusion (r = 0.58, p 6-second lesion volumes correlated with 27-hour infarct volume (r = 0.78, p = 0.005). In target mismatch patients, the union of baseline core and early follow-up Tmax > 6-second volume (ie, predicted infarct volume) correlated with the 27-hour infarct volume (r = 0.73, p < 0.0001); the median absolute difference between the observed and predicted volume was 13 ml. INTERPRETATION Ischemic core and hypoperfusion volumes, obtained primarily from CT perfusion scans, predict 27-hour infarct volume in acute stroke patients who were treated with reperfusion therapies.

Differentiating Tumor Progression from Pseudoprogression in Patients with Glioblastomas Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast MRI

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Early assessment of treatment response is critical in patients with glioblastomas. A combination of DTI and DSC perfusion imaging parameters was evaluated to distinguish glioblastomas with true progression from mixed response and pseudoprogression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients with glioblastomas exhibiting enhancing lesions within 6 months after completion of chemoradiation therapy were retrospectively studied. All patients underwent surgery after MR imaging and were histologically classified as having true progression (>75% tumor), mixed response (25%–75% tumor), or pseudoprogression ( RESULTS: Significantly elevated maximum relative cerebral blood volume, fractional anisotropy, linear anisotropy coefficient, and planar anisotropy coefficient and decreased spheric anisotropy coefficient were observed in true progression compared with pseudoprogression (P CONCLUSIONS: DTI and DSC perfusion imaging can improve accuracy in assessing treatment response and may aid in individualized treatment of patients with glioblastomas.

Static and dynamic assessment of myocardial perfusion by computed tomography.

Abstract: Recent developments in computed tomography (CT) technology have fulfilled the prerequisites for the clinical application of myocardial CT perfusion (CTP) imaging. The evaluation of myocardial perfusion by CT can be achieved by static or dynamic scan acquisitions. Although both approaches have proved clinically feasible, substantial barriers need to be overcome before its routine clinical application. The current review provides an outline of the current status of CTP imaging and also focuses on disparities between static and dynamic CTPs for the evaluation of myocardial blood flow.

Comparison of cerebral blood flow measurement with [15O]-water positron emission tomography and arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging: A systematic review.

Abstract: Noninvasive imaging of cerebral blood flow provides critical information to understand normal brain physiology as well as to identify and manage patients with neurological disorders. To date, the reference standard for cerebral blood flow measurements is considered to be positron emission tomography using injection of the [(15)O]-water radiotracer. Although [(15)O]-water has been used to study brain perfusion under normal and pathological conditions, it is not widely used in clinical settings due to the need for an on-site cyclotron, the invasive nature of arterial blood sampling, and experimental complexity. As an alternative, arterial spin labeling is a promising magnetic resonance imaging technique that magnetically labels arterial blood as it flows into the brain to map cerebral blood flow. As arterial spin labeling becomes more widely adopted in research and clinical settings, efforts have sought to standardize the method and validate its cerebral blood flow values against positron emission tomography-based cerebral blood flow measurements. The purpose of this work is to critically review studies that performed both [(15)O]-water positron emission tomography and arterial spin labeling to measure brain perfusion, with the aim of better understanding the accuracy and reproducibility of arterial spin labeling relative to the positron emission tomography reference standard.

Whole-Brain CT Perfusion to Quantify Acute Ischemic Penumbra and Core

Abstract: Purpose To validate the use of perfusion computed tomography (CT) with whole-brain coverage to measure the ischemic penumbra and core and to compare its performance to that of limited-coverage perfusion CT. Materials and Methods Institutional ethics committee approval and informed consent were obtained. Patients (n = 296) who underwent 320-detector CT perfusion within 6 hours of the onset of ischemic stroke were studied. First, the ischemic volume at CT perfusion was compared with the penumbra and core reference values at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to derive CT perfusion penumbra and core thresholds. Second, the thresholds were tested in a different group of patients to predict the final infarction at diffusion-weighted imaging 24 hours after CT perfusion. Third, the change in ischemic volume delineated by the optimal penumbra and core threshold was determined as the brain coverage was gradually reduced from 160 mm to 20 mm. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and analysis of variance were used for the first, second, and third steps, respectively. Results CT perfusion at penumbra and core thresholds resulted in the least volumetric difference from MR imaging reference values with delay times greater than 3 seconds and delay-corrected cerebral blood flow of less than 30% (P = .34 and .33, respectively). When the thresholds were applied to the new group of patients, prediction of the final infarction was allowed with delay times greater than 3 seconds in patients with no recanalization of the occluded artery (CCC, 0.96 [95% confidence interval: 0.92, 0.98]) and with delay-corrected cerebral blood flow less than 30% in patients with complete recanalization (CCC, 0.91 [95% confidence interval: 0.83, 0.95]). However, the ischemic volume with a delay time greater than 3 seconds was underestimated when the brain coverage was reduced to 80 mm (P = .04) and the core volume measured as cerebral blood flow less than 30% was underestimated when brain coverage was 40 mm or less (P < .0001). Conclusion Correct threshold setting and whole-brain coverage CT perfusion allowed differentiation of the penumbra from the ischemic core in patients with acute ischemic stroke. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Automated CT Perfusion Ischemic Core Volume and Noncontrast CT ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score): Correlation and Clinical Outcome Prediction in Large Vessel Stroke.

Abstract: Background and Purpose— The semiquantitative noncontrast CT Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and RAPID automated computed tomography (CT) perfusion (CTP) ischemic core volumetric measurements have been used to quantify infarct extent. We aim to determine the correlation between ASPECTS and CTP ischemic core, evaluate the variability of core volumes within ASPECTS strata, and assess the strength of their association with clinical outcomes. Methods— Review of a prospective, single-center database of consecutive thrombectomies of middle cerebral or intracranial internal carotid artery occlusions with pretreatment CTP between September 2010 and September 2015. CTP was processed with RAPID software to identify ischemic core (relative cerebral blood flow<30% of normal tissue). Results— Three hundred and thirty-two patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Median age was 66 years (55–75), median ASPECTS was 8 (7–9), whereas median CTP ischemic core was 11 cc (2–27). Median time from last normal to groin puncture was 5.8 hours (3.9–8.8), and 90-day modified Rankin scale score 0 to 2 was observed in 54%. The correlation between CTP ischemic core and ASPECTS was fair ( R =−0.36; P 50 cc and ASPECTS ≥6 (29% had modified Rankin scale 0–2, whereas 21% were deceased at 90 days). Moderate correlations between ASPECTS and final infarct volume ( R =−0.42; P <0.01) and between CTP ischemic core and final infarct volume ( R =0.50; P <0.01) were observed; coefficients were not significantly influenced by the time from stroke onset to presentation. Multivariable regression indicated ASPECTS ≥6 (odds ratio 4.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.47–11.46; P =0.01) and CTP core ≤50 cc (odds ratio 3.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–12.15; P =0.02) independently and comparably predictive of good outcome. Conclusions— There is wide variability of CTP-derived core volumes within ASPECTS strata. Patient selection may be affected by the imaging selection method.

Imaging of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease and Clinical Interpretation.

Abstract: Progressive lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF) is the life-limiting factor of this autosomal recessive genetic disorder. Increasing implementation of CF newborn screening allows for a diagnosis even in pre-symptomatic stages. Improvements in therapy have led to a significant improvement in survival, the majority now being of adult age. Imaging provides detailed information on the regional distribution of CF lung disease, hence longitudinal imaging is recommended for disease monitoring in the clinical routine. Chest X-ray (CXR), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are now available as routine modalities, each with individual strengths and drawbacks, which need to be considered when choosing the optimal modality adapted to the clinical situation of the patient. CT stands out with the highest morphological detail and has often been a substitute for CXR for regular severity monitoring at specialized centers. Multidetector CT data can be post-processed with dedicated software for a detailed measurement of airway dimensions and bronchiectasis and potentially a more objective and precise grading of disease severity. However, changing to CT was inseparably accompanied by an increase in radiation exposure of CF patients, a young population with high sensitivity to ionizing radiation and lifetime accumulation of dose. MRI as a cross-sectional imaging modality free of ionizing radiation can depict morphological hallmarks of CF lung disease at lower spatial resolution but excels with comprehensive functional lung imaging, with time-resolved perfusion imaging currently being most valuable. Key Points: • Hallmarks are bronchiectasis, mucus plugging, air trapping, perfusion abnormalities, and emphysema. • Imaging is more sensitive to disease progression than lung function testing. • CT provides the highest morphological detail but is associated with radiation exposure. • MRI shows comparable sensitivity for morphology but excels with additional functional information. • MRI sensitively depicts reversible abnormalities such as mucus plugging and perfusion abnormalities. Citation Format: • Wielputz MO, Eichinger M, Biederer J et al. Imaging of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease and Clinical Interpretation. Fortschr Rontgenstr 2016; 188: 834 – 845

MR and CT Imaging for the Evaluation of Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract: Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of all forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Although Doppler echocardiography is essential for the evaluation of PH, its ability to optimally evaluate the right ventricle and pulmonary vasculature is limited by its 2-dimensional planar capabilities. Magnetic resonance and computed tomography are capable of determining the etiology and pathophysiology of PH, and can be very useful in the management of these patients. Exciting new techniques such as right ventricle tissue characterization with T1 mapping, 4-dimensional flow of the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries, and computed tomography lung perfusion imaging are paving the way for a new era of imaging in PH. These imaging modalities complement echocardiography and invasive hemodynamic testing and may be useful as surrogate endpoints for early phase PH clinical trials. Here we discuss the role of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of PH, including current uses and novel research applications, and we discuss the role of value-based imaging in PH.

Mid-gestation brain Doppler and head biometry in fetuses with congenital heart disease predict abnormal brain development at birth

Abstract: Objectives Fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD) show evidence of abnormal brain development before birth, which is thought to contribute to adverse neurodevelopment during childhood. Our aim was to evaluate whether brain development in late pregnancy can be predicted by fetal brain Doppler, head biometry and the clinical form of CHD at the time of diagnosis. Methods This was a prospective cohort study including 58 fetuses with CHD, diagnosed at 20–24 weeks' gestation, and 58 normal control fetuses. At the time of diagnosis, we recorded fetal head circumference (HC), biparietal diameter, middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA-PI), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and brain perfusion by fractional moving blood volume. We classified cases into one of two clinical types defined by the expected levels (high or low) of placental (well-oxygenated) blood perfusion, according to the anatomical defect. All fetuses underwent subsequent 3T-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 36–38 weeks' gestation. Results Abnormal prenatal brain development was defined by a composite score including any of the following findings on MRI: total brain volume < 10th centile, parietoccipital or cingulate fissure depth < 10th centile or abnormal metabolic profile in the frontal lobe. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MCA-PI (odds ratio (OR), 12.7; P = 0.01), CPR (OR, 8.7; P = 0.02) and HC (OR, 6.2; P = 0.02) were independent predictors of abnormal neurodevelopment; however, the clinical type of CHD was not. Conclusions Fetal brain Doppler and head biometry at the time of CHD diagnosis are independent predictors of abnormal brain development at birth, and could be used in future algorithms to improve counseling and targeted interventions. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Performance of diffusion-weighted imaging, perfusion imaging, and texture analysis in predicting tumoral response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer patients studied with 3T MR: initial experience

Abstract: Purpose To determine the performance of texture analysis (TA), diffusion-weighted imaging, and perfusion MR (pMRI) in predicting tumoral response in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Association Between CT Angiogram Collaterals and CT Perfusion in the Interventional Management of Stroke III Trial.

Abstract: Background and Purpose— Collateral flow can determine ischemic core and tissue at risk. Using the Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) III trial data, we explored the relationship between computed tomography angiogram (CTA) collateral status and CT perfusion (CTP) parameters. Methods— Baseline CTA collaterals were trichotomized as good, intermediate, and poor, and CTP studies were analyzed to quantify ischemic core, tissue at risk, and mismatch ratios. Kruskal–Wallis and Spearman tests were used to measure the strength of association and correlation between CTA collaterals and CTP parameters. Results— A total of 95 patients had diagnostic CTP studies in the IMS III trial. Of these, 53 patients had M1/M2 middle cerebral artery±intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion, where baseline CTA collateral grading was performed. CTA collaterals were associated with smaller CTP measured ischemic core volume ( P =0.0078) and higher mismatch ( P =0.0004). There was moderate negative correlation between collaterals and core ( r s=−0.45; 95% confidence interval, −0.64 to −0.20) and moderate positive correlation between collaterals and mismatch ( r s=0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.71). Conclusion— Better collaterals were associated with smaller ischemic core and higher mismatch in the IMS III trial. Collateral assessment and perfusion imaging identify the same biological construct about ischemic tissue sustenance.

Comparison of four different collateral scores in acute ischemic stroke by CT angiography

Abstract: Purpose Multiple scores have been described for the assessment of collateralization in acute ischemic stroke. Currently, there is no gold standard for collateral assessment by CT angiography (CTA). This study compared four frequently used collateral scores with regard to their correlation with early infarct core and mismatch ratio. Methods 30 consecutive patients with acute occlusion of the M1 segment or terminal carotid artery were reviewed retrospectively. Collaterals were assessed using dynamic and also single-phase CTA according to grading systems by the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (on collaterals), Christoforidis et al and Miteff et al . The Christoforidis and ASITN/SIR scores, which were initially designed for conventional angiography, were adapted to be applicable to CTA. The scores were compared with respect to early infarct core and mismatch ratio in perfusion CT estimated by RAPID software using Spearman correlation. Results ASITN/SIR and ASPECTS collateral scores showed good correlation with early infarct core (rho=−0.696, p Conclusions Compared with the Christoforidis and Miteff scores, the modified ASITN/SIR and ASPECTS collateral scores showed consistently higher correlation with the extent of early infarct core and mismatch volume. This is probably because these scores evaluate the extent and delay of vascular enhancement in the affected territory rather than the backflow of contrast medium to the occlusion.

Correlation between Dual-Energy and Perfusion CT in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract: Purpose To develop a dual-energy contrast media-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) protocol by using time-attenuation curves from previously acquired perfusion CT data and to evaluate prospectively the relationship between iodine enhancement metrics at dual-energy CT and perfusion CT parameters in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods Institutional review board and local ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. The retrospective part of this study included the development of a dual-energy CT contrast-enhanced protocol to evaluate peak arterial enhancement of HCC in the liver on the basis of time-attenuation curves from previously acquired perfusion CT data in 20 patients. The prospective part of the study consisted of an intraindividual comparison of dual-energy CT and perfusion CT data in another 20 consecutive patients with HCC. Iodine density and iodine ratio (iodine attenuation of the lesion divided by iodine attenuation in the aorta) from dual-energy CT and arterial perfusion (AP), portal venous perfusion, and total perfusion (TP) from perfusion CT were compared. Pearson R and linear correlation coefficients were calculated for AP and iodine density, AP and iodine ratio, TP and iodine density, and TP and iodine ratio. Results The dual-energy CT protocol consisted of bolus tracking in the abdominal aorta (threshold, 150 HU; scan delay, 9 seconds). The strongest intraindividual correlations in HCCs were found between iodine density and AP (r = 0.75, P = .0001). Moderate correlations were found between iodine ratio and AP (r = 0.50, P = .023) and between iodine density and TP (r = 0.56, P = .011). No further significant correlations were found. The volume CT dose index (11.4 mGy) and dose-length product (228.0 mGy · cm) of dual-energy CT was lower than those of the arterial phase of perfusion CT (36.1 mGy and 682.3 mGy · cm, respectively). Conclusion A contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT protocol developed by using time-attenuation curves from previously acquired perfusion CT data sets in patients with HCC could show good correlation between iodine density from dual-energy CT with AP from perfusion CT. (©) RSNA, 2016.

Defining Core and Penumbra in Ischemic Stroke: A Voxel- and Volume-Based Analysis of Whole Brain CT Perfusion

Abstract: Whole brain computed tomography perfusion (CTP) has the potential to select eligible patients for reperfusion therapy. We aimed to find the optimal thresholds on baseline CTP for ischemic core and penumbra in acute ischemic stroke. We reviewed patients with acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation, who underwent baseline whole brain CTP, followed by intravenous thrombolysis and perfusion imaging at 24 hours. Patients were divided into those with major reperfusion (to define the ischemic core) and minimal reperfusion (to define the extent of penumbra). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and volumetric consistency analysis were performed separately to determine the optimal threshold by Youden's Index and mean magnitude of volume difference, respectively. From a series of 103 patients, 22 patients with minimal-reperfusion and 47 with major reperfusion were included. Analysis revealed delay time ≥ 3 s most accurately defined penumbra (AUC = 0.813; 95% CI, 0.812-0.814, mean magnitude of volume difference = 29.1 ml). The optimal threshold for ischemic core was rCBF ≤ 30% within delay time ≥ 3 s (AUC = 0.758; 95% CI, 0.757-0.760, mean magnitude of volume difference = 10.8 ml). In conclusion, delay time ≥ 3 s and rCBF ≤ 30% within delay time ≥ 3 s are the optimal thresholds for penumbra and core, respectively. These results may allow the application of the mismatch on CTP to reperfusion therapy.

Assessment of foot perfusion in patients with a diabetic foot ulcer.

Abstract: Assessment of foot perfusion is a vital step in the management of patients with diabetic foot ulceration, in order to understand the risk of amputation and likelihood of wound healing. Underlying peripheral artery disease is a common finding in patients with foot ulceration and is associated with poor outcomes. Assessment of foot perfusion should therefore focus on identifying the presence of peripheral artery disease and to subsequently estimate the effect this may have on wound healing. Assessment of perfusion can be difficult because of the often complex, diffuse and distal nature of peripheral artery disease in patients with diabetes, as well as poor collateralisation and heavy vascular calcification. Conventional methods of assessing tissue perfusion in the peripheral circulation may be unreliable in patients with diabetes, and it may therefore be difficult to determine the extent to which poor perfusion contributes to foot ulceration. Anatomical data obtained on cross-sectional imaging is important but must be combined with measurements of tissue perfusion (such as transcutaneous oxygen tension) in order to understand the global and regional perfusion deficit present in a patient with diabetic foot ulceration. Ankle-brachial pressure index is routinely used to screen for peripheral artery disease, but its use in patients with diabetes is limited in the presence of neuropathy and medial arterial calcification. Toe pressure index may be more useful because of the relative sparing of pedal arteries from medial calcification but may not always be possible in patients with ulceration. Fluorescence angiography is a non-invasive technique that can provide rapid quantitative information about regional tissue perfusion; capillaroscopy, iontophoresis and hyperspectral imaging may also be useful in assessing physiological perfusion but are not widely available. There may be a future role for specialized perfusion imaging of these patients, including magnetic resonance imaging techniques, single-photon emission computed tomography and PET-based molecular imaging; however, these novel techniques require further validation and are unlikely to become standard practice in the near future.

Crossed cerebellar diaschisis in patients with acute middle cerebral artery infarction: Occurrence and perfusion characteristics.

Abstract: We aimed to investigate the overall prevalence and possible factors influencing the occurrence of crossed cerebellar diaschisis after acute middle cerebral artery infarction using whole-brain CT perfusion. A total of 156 patients with unilateral hypoperfusion of the middle cerebral artery territory formed the study cohort; 352 patients without hypoperfusion served as controls. We performed blinded reading of different perfusion maps for the presence of crossed cerebellar diaschisis and determined the relative supratentorial and cerebellar perfusion reduction. Moreover, imaging patterns (location and volume of hypoperfusion) and clinical factors (age, sex, time from symptom onset) resulting in crossed cerebellar diaschisis were analysed. Crossed cerebellar diaschisis was detected in 35.3% of the patients with middle cerebral artery infarction. Crossed cerebellar diaschisis was significantly associated with hypoperfusion involving the left hemisphere, the frontal lobe and the thalamus. The degree of the relative supratentorial perfusion reduction was significantly more pronounced in crossed cerebellar diaschisis-positive patients but did not correlate with the relative cerebellar perfusion reduction. Our data suggest that (i) crossed cerebellar diaschisis is a common feature after middle cerebral artery infarction which can robustly be detected using whole-brain CT perfusion, (ii) its occurrence is influenced by location and degree of the supratentorial perfusion reduction rather than infarct volume (iii) other clinical factors (age, sex and time from symptom onset) did not affect the occurrence of crossed cerebellar diaschisis.

Cracking the perfusion code?: Laser-assisted Indocyanine Green angiography and combined laser Doppler spectrophotometry for intraoperative evaluation of tissue perfusion in autologous breast reconstruction with DIEP or ms-TRAM flaps.

Abstract: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the correlation of flap perfusion analysis based on laser-assisted Indocyanine Green (ICG) angiography with combined laser Doppler spectrophotometry in autologous breast reconstruction using free DIEP/ms-TRAM flaps. Between February 2014 and July 2015, 35 free DIEP/ms-TRAM flaps were included in this study. Besides the clinical evaluation of flaps, intraoperative perfusion dynamics were assessed by means of laser-assisted ICG angiography and post-capillary oxygen saturation and relative haemoglobin content (rHb) using combined laser Doppler spectrophotometry. Correlation of the aforementioned parameters was analysed, as well as the impact on flap design and postoperative complications. Flap survival rate was 100%. There were no partial flap losses. In three cases, flap design was based on the angiography, contrary to clinical evaluation and spectrophotometry. The final decision on the inclusion of flap areas was based on the angiographic perfusion pattern. Angiography and spectrophotometry showed a correlation in most of the cases regarding tissue perfusion, post-capillary oxygen saturation and relative haemoglobin content. Laser-assisted ICG angiography is a useful tool for intraoperative evaluation of flap perfusion in autologous breast reconstruction with DIEP/ms-TRAM flaps, especially in decision making in cases where flap perfusion is not clearly assessable by clinical signs and exact determination of well-perfused flap margins is difficult to obtain. It provides an objective real-time analysis of flap perfusion, with high sensitivity for the detection of poorly perfused flap areas. Concerning the topographical mapping of well-perfused flap areas, laser-assisted angiography is superior to combined laser Doppler spectrophotometry.

Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking during Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in the Detection of Myocardial Ischemia in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract: Background Two-dimensional speckle-tracking applied to dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) may aid in the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to determine the value of strain, strain rate, and postsystolic strain index (PSI) measured by speckle-tracking during DSE in the evaluation of the presence, extent, and severity of myocardial ischemia. Methods Fifty patients 63 ± 7 years of age with intermediate probability of CAD were prospectively recruited. All patients underwent DSE, quantitative positron emission tomographic perfusion imaging, and invasive angiography. Regional peak systolic longitudinal strain, strain rate, and PSI were measured at rest, at a dobutamine dose of 20 μg/kg/min, at peak stress, and at early recovery (1 min after stress). Obstructive CAD was defined as >75% stenosis or 40% to 75% stenosis combined with either fractional flow reserve Results Obstructive CAD was detected in 22 patients and in 36 of 150 coronary arteries. Strain analyses showed the highest reproducibility at rest, at a dobutamine dose of 20 μg/kg/min, and at early recovery. Increased PSI and reduced strain during early recovery were the strongest predictors of obstructive CAD and were associated with the extent, localization, and depth of myocardial ischemia by positron emission tomography. On vessel-based analysis, strain, PSI, and visual analysis of wall motion provided comparable diagnostic accuracy, whereas the combination of strain or PSI with visual analysis provided incremental value over visual analysis alone. Conclusions Assessment of systolic or postsystolic strain by speckle-tracking echocardiography during early recovery after DSE can help in the detection of hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis compared with visual wall motion analysis alone.

Early whole-brain CT perfusion for detection of patients at risk for delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract: OBJECT This prospective study investigated the role of whole-brain CT perfusion (CTP) studies in the identification of patients at risk for delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DIND) and of tissue at risk for delayed cerebral infarction (DCI). METHODS Forty-three patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) were included in this study. A CTP study was routinely performed in the early phase (Day 3). The CTP study was repeated in cases of transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD)-measured blood flow velocity (BFV) increase of > 50 cm/sec within 24 hours and/or on Day 7 in patients who were intubated/sedated. RESULTS Early CTP studies revealed perfusion deficits in 14 patients, of whom 10 patients (72%) developed DIND, and 6 of these 10 patients (60%) had DCI. Three of the 14 patients (21%) with early perfusion deficits developed DCI without having had DIND, and the remaining patient (7%) had neither DIND nor DCI. There was a statistically significant correlation between early perfusion deficits and occurrence of DIND and DCI (p 50 cm/sec within 24 hours, revealing a perfusion deficit in 3 of them (38%). Two of the 3 patients (67%) developed DCI without preceding DIND and 1 patient (33%) had DIND without DCI. In 4 of the 7 patients (57%) who were sedated and/or comatose, additional CTP studies on Day 7 showed perfusion deficits. All 4 patients developed DCI. CONCLUSIONS Whole-brain CTP on Day 3 after aSAH allows early and reliable identification of patients at risk for DIND and tissue at risk for DCI. Additional CTP investigations, guided by TCD-measured BFV increase or persisting coma, do not contribute to information gain.

Non-Contrast Renal Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Assess Perfusion and Corticomedullary Differentiation in Health and Chronic Kidney Disease.

Abstract: Aims: Arterial spin labelling (ASL) MRI measures perfusion without administration of contrast agent. While ASL has been validated in animals and healthy volunteers (HVs), application to chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been limited. We investigated the utility of ASL MRI in patients with CKD. Methods: We studied renal perfusion in 24 HVs and 17 patients with CKD (age 22-77 years, 40% male) using ASL MRI at 3.0T. Kidney function was determined using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). T1 relaxation time was measured using modified look-locker inversion and flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery true-fast imaging and steady precession was performed to measure cortical and whole kidney perfusion. Results: T1 was higher in CKD within cortex and whole kidney, and there was association between T1 time and eGFR. No association was seen between kidney size and volume and either T1, or ASL perfusion. Perfusion was lower in CKD in cortex (136 ± 37 vs. 279 ± 69 ml/min/100 g; p Conclusions: Significant differences in renal structure and function were demonstrated using ASL MRI. T1 may be representative of structural changes associated with CKD; however, further investigation is required into the pathological correlates of reduced ASL perfusion and increased T1 time in CKD.

Diagnostic Performance of Treadmill Exercise Cardiac Magnetic Resonance: The Prospective, Multicenter Exercise CMR's Accuracy for Cardiovascular Stress Testing (EXACT) Trial

Abstract: Background Stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has typically involved pharmacologic agents. Treadmill CMR has shown utility in single‐center studies but has not undergone multicenter evaluation. Methods and Results Patients referred for treadmill stress nuclear imaging (SPECT) were prospectively enrolled across 4 centers. After rest 99mTc SPECT, patients underwent resting cine CMR. In‐room stress was then performed using an MR‐compatible treadmill with continuous 12‐lead electrocardiogram monitoring. At peak stress, 99mTc was injected, and patients rapidly returned to the MR scanner isocenter for real‐time, free‐breathing stress cine and perfusion imaging. After recovery, cine and rest perfusion followed by late gadolinium enhancement acquisitions concluded CMR imaging. Stress SPECT was then acquired in adjacent nuclear laboratories. A subset of patients not referred for invasive coronary angiography within 2 weeks of stress underwent coronary computed tomography angiography. Angiographic data available in 94 patients showed sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 99% for exercise CMR with positive predictive value of 92% and negative predictive value of 96%. Agreement between treadmill stress CMR and angiography was strong (κ=0.82), and moderate between SPECT and angiography (κ=0.46) and CMR versus SPECT (κ=0.48). Conclusions The multicenter EXACT trial indicates excellent diagnostic value of treadmill stress CMR in typical patients referred for exercise SPECT.

Cardiac perfusion imaging using hyperpolarized (13)C urea using flow sensitizing gradients.

Abstract: To demonstrate the feasibility of imaging the first passage of a bolus of hyperpolarized (13) C urea through the rodent heart using flow-sensitizing gradients to reduce signal from the blood pool.A flow-sensitizing bipolar gradient was optimized to reduce the bright signal within the cardiac chambers, enabling improved contrast of the agent within the tissue capillary bed. The gradient was incorporated into a dynamic golden angle spiral (13) C imaging sequence. Healthy rats were scanned during rest (n = 3) and under adenosine stress-induced hyperemia (n = 3).A two-fold increase in myocardial perfusion relative to rest was detected during adenosine stress-induced hyperemia, consistent with a myocardial perfusion reserve of two in rodents.The new pulse sequence was used to obtain dynamic images of the first passage of hyperpolarized (13) C urea in the rodent heart, without contamination from bright signal within the neighboring cardiac lumen. This probe of myocardial perfusion is expected to enable new hyperpolarized (13) C studies in which the cardiac metabolism/perfusion mismatch can be identified. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Brain perfusion in dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer’s disease: an arterial spin labeling MRI study on prodromal and mild dementia stages

Abstract: We aimed to describe specific changes in brain perfusion in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) at both the prodromal (also called mild cognitive impairment) and mild dementia stages, relative to patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and controls. Altogether, 96 participants in five groups (prodromal DLB, prodromal AD, DLB with mild dementia, AD with mild dementia, and healthy elderly controls) took part in an arterial spin labeling MRI study. Three analyses were performed: a global perfusion value comparison, a voxel-wise analysis of both absolute and relative perfusion, and a linear discriminant analysis. These were used to assess the global decrease in perfusion, regional changes, and the sensitivity and specificity of these changes. Patterns of perfusion in DLB differed from AD and controls in both the prodromal stage and dementia, DLB having more deficits in frontal, insular, and temporal cortices whereas AD showed reduced perfusion in parietal and parietotemporal cortices. Decreases but also increases of perfusion in DLB relative to controls were observed in both absolute and relative measurements. All these regional changes of perfusion classified DLB patients with respect to either healthy controls or AD with sensitivity from 87 to 100 % and specificity from 90 to 96 % depending on the stage of the disease. Our results are consistent with previous studies. We extend the scope of those studies by integrating prodromal DLB patients and by describing both hypo- and hyperperfusion in DLB. While decreases in perfusion may relate to functional impairments, increases might suggest a functional compensation of some brain areas.

Iodine concentration as a perfusion surrogate marker in oncology: Further elucidation of the underlying mechanisms using Volume Perfusion CT with 80 kVp

Abstract: To assess the value of iodine concentration (IC) in computed tomography data acquired with 80 kVp, as a surrogate for perfusion imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and lymphoma by comparing iodine related attenuation (IRA) with quantitative Volume Perfusion CT (VPCT)-parameters. VPCT-parameters were compared with intra-tumoral IC at 5 time points after the aortic peak enhancement (APE) with a temporal resolution of 3.5 sec in untreated 30 HCC and 30 lymphoma patients. Intra-tumoral perfusion parameters for HCC showed a blood flow (BF) of 52.7 ± 17.0 mL/100 mL/min, blood volume (BV) 12.6 ± 4.3 mL/100 mL, arterial liver perfusion (ALP) 44.4 ± 12.8 mL/100 mL/min. Lesion IC 7 sec after APE was 133.4 ± 57.3 mg/100 mL. Lymphoma showed a BF of 36.8 ± 13.4 mL/100 mL/min, BV of 8.8 ± 2.8 mL/100 mL and IC of 118.2 ± 64.5 mg/100 mL 3.5 sec after APE. Strongest correlations exist for VPCT-derived BF and ALP with IC in HCC 7 sec after APE (r = 0.71 and r = 0.84) and 3.5 sec after APE in lymphoma lesions (r = 0.77). Significant correlations are also present for BV (r = 0.60 and r = 0.65 for HCC and lymphoma, respectively). We identified a good, time-dependent agreement between VPCT-derived flow values and IC in HCC and lymphoma. Thus, CT-derived ICs 7 sec after APE in HCC and 3.5 sec in lymphoma may be used as surrogate imaging biomarkers for tumor perfusion with 80 kVp. • Iodine concentration derived from low kVp CT is regarded as perfusion surrogate • Correlation with Perfusion CT was performed to elucidate timing and histology dependencies • Highest correlation was present 7 sec after aortic peak enhancement in hepatocellular carcinoma • In lymphoma, highest correlation was calculated 3.5 sec after aortic peak enhancement • With these results, further optimization of Dual energy CT protocols is possible