Assessment of Variability in Cerebral Blood Flow and Cerebral Blood Volume in Cerebral Arteries of Ischemic Stroke Patients Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI

Background/Objectives: Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) are critical variables in diagnosing ischemic stroke. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) enables the evaluation of regional cerebral perfusion metrics; however, accurately assessing CBF and CBV across different cerebral arteries in ischemic stroke patients remains challenging. This study aimed at analyzing regional variations in CBF and CBV in ischemic stroke patients using DCE-MRI and assessed the relationship between perfusion parameters and demographic factors, including age and gender. Methods: A total of 55 ischemic stroke patients were included in this study. Perfusion metrics were acquired using DCE-MRI, and CBF and CBV were analyzed in the middle, anterior, and posterior cerebral arteries (MCA, ACA, PCA). Paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis were performed to assess differences and correlations between perfusion metrics and demographic factors. Results: Significant differences in CBF and CBV were observed in contralateral cerebral arteries, highlighting regional perfusion differences. ANOVA revealed variability in CBF between different cerebral arteries, irrespective of hemisphere. A strong positive correlation was found between CBF and CBV (Pearson r = 0.976; Spearman r = 0.928), with regression analysis identifying age and gender as significant predictors of CBF. Conclusions: This study highlights region-specific perfusion heterogeneity in ischemic stroke patients and confirms a strong interdependence between CBF and CBV. Both age and gender are significant determinants of cerebral perfusion. DCE-MRI offers precise perfusion measurements, guiding individualized stroke treatment. These insights can support effective therapeutic planning in ischemic stroke.