Optimization of pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling using off-resonance compensation strategies at 7T

Purpose: The sensitivity of pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) to off--resonance effects (Delta B-0) is a major limitation at ultra-high field (>= 7T). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of different PCASL Delta B-0 compensation methods at 7T and measure the labeling efficiency with off-resonance correction. Theory and Methods: Phase offset errors induced by Delta B-0 at the feeding arteries can be compensated by adding an extra radiofrequency (RF) phase increment and transverse gradient blips into the PCASL RF pulse train. The effectiveness of an average field correction (AVGcor), a vessel-specific field-map-based correction (FMcor) and a vessel-specific prescan-based correction (PScor) were compared at 7T. After correction, the PCASL labeling efficiency was directly measured in feeding arteries downstream from the labeling location. Results: The perfusion signal was more uniform throughout the brain after off-resonance correction. Whole-brain average perfusion signal increased by a factor of 2.4, 2.5, and 2.1, respectively, with AVGcor, FMcor and PScor compared to acquisitions without correction. With off-resonance correction, the maximum labeling efficiency was similar to 0.68 at mean B-1 (B-1mean) of 0.70 mu T when using a mean gradient (G(mean)) of 0.25 mT/m. Conclusion: Either a prescan or a field map can be used to correct for off-resonance effects and retrieve a good brain perfusion signal at 7T. Although the three methods performed well in this study, FMcor may be better suited for patient studies because it accounted for vessel-specific Delta B-0 variations. Further improvements in image quality will be possible by optimizing the labeling efficiency with advanced hardware and software while satisfying specific absorption rate constraints.