In the present study, it is shown that it is possible to quantify myocardial perfusion using magnetic resonance imaging in combination with gadolinium diethylenetriaminopentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). Previously, a simple model and method for measuring myocardial perfusion using an inversion recovery turbo-FLASH (fast low-angle shot) sequence and Gd-DTPA has been presented. Here, an extension of the model is presented taking into account fast and slow water exchange between the compartments, enabling the calculation of the unidirectional influx constant (Ki) for Gd-DTPA, the distribution volume of Gd-DTPA (lambda), the vascular blood volume (Vb), and the time delay through the coronary arteries (delta T). The model was evaluated by computer simulation and used on experimental results from seven healthy subjects. The results in the healthy volunteers for a region of interest placed in the anterior myocardial wall were (mean +/- SD) Ki = 54 +/- 10 ml/100 g/min, lambda = 30 +/- 3 ml/100 g, Vb = 9 +/- 2 ml/100 g, delta T = 3.2 +/- 1.1 s. These results are in good agreement with similar results obtained by other methods.

A noninvasive method using an inversion recovery turbo-FLASH for dynamic measurement of the arterial input function represented by the bolus passage of Gd-DTPA in the descending aorta is presented, and the results are compared with the input function obtained by arterial blood samples. A good accordance between the two input functions was found, indicating that it is possible to measure the input function to the myocardium using MRI. A variation between the two concentration curves of 5% at upslope, 2.7% at peak point, and < 7% at downslope was found. The study also indicates that a short inversion time < 250 ms has to be used to ensure correct measurement of peak concentration.

Background and Purpose-There is growing evidence that white matter hyperintensities (WMH) should not be considered as benign age-dependent changes on MR images but indicate pathological changes with clinical consequences. Previous studies comparing subjects with WMH to normal controls have reported global reductions in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral vascular reactivity. In this study, we examined localized hemodynamic status to compare WMH to normal appearing white matter (NAWM). Methods-A group of 21 normal 85-year-old subjects were studied using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI together with administration of acetazolamide. From a combination of anatomic images with different signal weighting, regions of interest were generated corresponding to gray and white matter and WMH. Localized measurements of CBF and cerebral blood volume (CBV) and mean transit time were obtained directly within WMH and NAWM. Results-When comparing WMH to NAWM, measurements showed significantly lower CBF (Pϭ0.004) and longer mean transit time (PϽ0.001) in WMH but no significant difference in CBV (Pϭ0.846). The increases in CBF and CBV induced by acetazolamide were significantly smaller in WMH than in NAWM (Pϭ0.026, PϽ0.001). Conclusion-These results show that a change in the hemodynamic status is present within the WMH, making these areas more likely to be exposed to transient ischemia inducing myelin rarefaction. In the future, MRI may be used to examine the effect of therapeutic strategies designed to prevent or normalize vascular changes.