Translating a Non-invasive Hybrid PET/MR Method of Imaging Cerebral Oxygen Metabolism to Humans

Motivation: To develop a non-invasive method of imaging CMRO2 by hybrid PET/MRI. Goal(s): Translate a previously validated PET/MR technique capable of imaging CBF, OEF, and CMRO2 to human studies. Approach: Technique combines [15O]O2-PET with MRI measurements of whole-brain CMRO2 and arterial spin labeling images of CBF. Results: Good agreement to literature regional CMRO2 values. Impact: Hybrid PET/MRI can simplify the PET-only technique of measuring regional CMRO2 by avoiding arterial sampling and only requiring one radiotracer, which reduces scan time and radiation dose, while enabling simultaneous acquisition of perfusion and tissue oxygen extraction.