Reliable and repeatable derived cerebrovascular metrics using 2Hz DSC MRI at 3T and 7T

Motivation: To precisely quantify cerebrovascular properties in brain tissue. Goal(s): To rigorously test the reliability and repeatability of a DSC acquisition and processing model at 3T and 7T. Approach: Twice repeated 2Hz multiband DSC experiments at 3T and 7T in 14 young and aged subjects are used to quantify voxel-wise blood flow, mean capillary transit time, and bolus arrival times across the brain; repeatability over runs and reliability over subjects are assessed for multiple metrics. Results: The acquisition and automated processing methods detailed herein yield repeatable and reliable metrics of the cerebrovascular system. Current work includes testing under neurological disease states. Impact: This high temporal and spatial resolution method is easily accessible and precludes the necessity of using commonly derived "relative" metrics; absolute metrics make effortless the translation and comparison of derived cerebrovascular qualities across diseases, studies, individuals, and the brain.