Evaluation of altered vascular function in patients with unilateral middle cerebral artery stenosis at 7T-MRI

Motivation: It is important to understand the mechanisms underlying middle cerebral artery stenosis and detect altered vascular function prior to the alteration in brain parenchyma. 7T MRI, benefited from much increased signal-to-noise ratioGoal(s): Evaluate vascular function in the affected and healthy middle cerebral arteries of patients with unilateral middle cerebral arterial stenosis. Approach: 7T-MRI to assess blood flow velocities and pulsatility indices (PI). Results: Flow velocity and PI in the middle cerebral artery were lower on the affected side than on the healthy side. These markers will facilitate mechanistic and interventional studies of middle cerebral artery stenosis. Impact: Flow velocity and PI were lower on the affected side than on the healthy side in patients with middle cerebral artery stenosis. These findings may improve the understanding of middle cerebral artery stenosis pathogenesis.