Sub-space Low-rank Imaging for mapping of blood-brain barrier Water Exchange Rate (SLIWER) using multi-PLD diffusion-weighted pCASL

Motivation: Non-invasive MRI mapping of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) function using water as an endogenous tracer can be a valuable tool for early detection of subtle BBB dysfunctions. Goal(s): To develop an advanced MRI technique and reconstruction methods for reliable BBB water exchange rate (kw) mapping. Approach: We introduce a Sub-space Low-rank Imaging method for mapping BBB Water Exchange Rate (SLIWER) with an innovative pulse sequence termed motion compensated diffusion weighted pCASL (MCDW-pCASL). Results: The SLIWER method demonstrated high test-retest reliability, indicating its potential in clinical settings, such as in evaluating cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Impact: We developed a reliable tool for early BBB dysfunction detection, potentially transforming the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders such as cerebral small vessel disease.