Dynamic Perfusion Imaging of Dorsiflexion Exercise on Calf Muscles using a UTE-Based DW-SSFP Sequence

Motivation: The DW-SSFP sequence is very sensitive to perfusion due to a short echo time and 3- dimensional volume acquisition. Therefore, this sequence can be used for a dynamic perfusion study of muscles. Goal(s): Obtain a 3-dimensional exercise-induced perfusion map in a high sensitivity and fast temporal resolution. Approach: The DW-SSFP sequence was applied to measure the dynamic perfusion map of dorsiflexion exercise. Results: The dynamic change of perfusion was measured in 3-dimensional volume with a high sensitivity. Impact: The DW-SSFP sequence can detect the dynamic perfusion in 3-dimensions with a high sensitivity and fast temporal resolution. This sequence will be best for dynamic perfusion study compared to other methods such as ASL, BOLD, and EPI diffusion.