Voxelwise T2 Corrected Multi-TE ASL in Meningiomas: Initial Experience

Motivation: The multi-TE ASL method could assess tumor permeability in meningiomas. Standard quantification of multi-TE ASL requires a global transverse relaxation time (T2) value, which might lead to suboptimal perfusion estimations at tumor region. Goal(s): To evaluate tumor permeability in meningiomas using multi-TE ASL with voxelwise T2 estimates. Approach: Multi-TE ASL data were acquired in six meningioma patients. Mono-exponentially fitted T2 maps were used in the multi-TE ASL data processing to estimate water exchange (Tex) and perfusion (CBF) maps using ExploreASL. Results: Lower Tex in the tumor region and normal-appearing gray matter (NAGM) and higher Tex in the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) were observed. Impact: This study demonstrated that multi-TE ASL incorporating voxelwise T2 values can measure CBF and Tex in meningiomas to assess tumor permeability.