Non-Contrast MR Perfusion Imaging of the Hip

Motivation: Avascular necrosis of the hip is due to disturbed blood supply related to various causes. Early evaluation currently requires contrast enhanced MR perfusion imaging. Goal(s): Evaluate human hip perfusion using non-contrast MR perfusion technique. Approach: Bilateral hips of healthy volunteers were imaged coronally at 3-T using a 2D spin labeling MR perfusion technique using tag-on tag-off acquisition at varying TI and processing to determine tagged blood signal into the acetabulum, femoral head, and femoral neck. Results: We found distinct perfusion signal in the acetabulum but the signal in the femoral head and neck were more subdued. Impact: This study demonstrates the feasibility of non-contrast MR perfusion imaging of the human hip, with future application in evaluation of avascular necrosis.