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Use of k‐space segmentation in MR velocity mapping for rapid quantification of CSF flow
Author(s) -
Ståhlberg Freddy,
Nitz Wolfgang,
Nilsson Christer,
Holtås Stig
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of magnetic resonance imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.563
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1522-2586
pISSN - 1053-1807
DOI - 10.1002/jmri.1880070607
Subject(s) - pulsatile flow , segmentation , cardiac cycle , flow (mathematics) , flow velocity , cerebrospinal fluid , blood flow , in vivo , nuclear magnetic resonance , biomedical engineering , image resolution , physics , nuclear medicine , materials science , medicine , computer science , radiology , artificial intelligence , cardiology , optics , biology , mechanics , microbiology and biotechnology
In this work, a k‐space segmentation technique for quantitative studies of pulsatile cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow is suggested. Three k‐space lines are sampled for each of two interleaved gradient‐echo sequences (velocity‐compensated and velocity‐encoded) within each repetition interval. Nine cardiac phases are obtained at a heart rate of 60 bpm with maintained nominal resolution and a factor of 3 in reduction of acquisition time relative to our conventional nonsegmented flow quantification protocol. Segmented and conventional sequences were compared in phantoms, in healthy volunteers, and in two patients with clinically suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus. Good agreement between flow curves obtained with the two sequences was demonstrated in vitro as well as in vivo. A slight underestimation of flow values in volunteers was attributed to data filtering when using the segmented sequence. Because the CSF circulation is complex and tightly connected to the vascular circulation, specific clinical applications may require flow studies at multiple positions and with different velocity encoding. In such cases, the proposed sequence can be used to gain time, but alternatively, the segmentation technique can be used to further increase spatial resolution within reasonable examination times.