Imaging Modalities to Visualize Deep Cerebral Perforating Arteries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Multiple imaging modalities including 7T, 3T, and 1.5T MRA/MRI, CTA, and DSA, have been used to visualize deep cerebral perforating arteries. High-resolution MRI, particularly 7T MRA, shows the highest detection rates (up to 94%), although most studies were performed in healthy volunteers and lacked anatomical validation. Consequently, reported detection rates may overestimate true vessel visualization. Future research should prioritize rigorous in-vivo validation of these techniques to establish their clinical reliability.