7T spin-echo dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI to assess cerebral microvascular perfusion

Ultra-high-field exploits the possibilities of MRI techniques, which are less sensitive at lower field strength, such as spin-echo (SE) perfusion MRI. We assessed the feasibility of SE dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI at 7T and investigated the ability to measure variations in perfusion in an elderly, partially hypertensive, population (n=36). Microvascular cerebral blood flow (CBF) was higher in grey matter compared to white matter, corresponding with biological expectations, serving as a first validation step. Furthermore, CBF significantly decreased with age.