Spectral Localization by Imaging based T2 Relaxation Under Spin Tagging to measure the distribution of oxygen extraction fraction in human brain

Motivation: Reliable quantification and region/tissue specific mapping of cerebral oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) are critical for studying cerebral oxygen metabolism in health and disease. Goal(s): To develop Spectral Localization by Imaging (SLIM) based TRUST techniques to overcome limitations of current TRUST techniques with limited spatial resolution or prolonged scan time for clinical applications at 3T. Approach: SLIM-TRUST was developed with spatial-encoding and multi-echo for efficient sampling of venous blood transit time. SLIM approach was applied to quantify tissue-type/region-specific OEF. Results: SLIM-TRUST provided reliable quantification of blood T2 values originated from GM and WM, and lateral and medial regions. Impact: SLIM‐TRUST allows noninvasive measurement of spatial distribution of OEF, including GM/WM and various brain regions, suitable for clinical applications. The combination of SLIM and multi-echo TRUST approaches also promises reliable assessment of cerebral oxygen metabolism in clinically feasible scan time.