3D Quantitative BOLD MRI in Patients with Unilateral Carotid Occlusion

Motivation: Recently developed constrained quantitative BOLD (c-qBOLD) offers the ability to quantify local cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2). However, it has yet to be applied in a clinical setting. Goal(s): By imaging patients with carotid occlusions we expect to observe specific disruptions to cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) i.e. neurometabolism. Approach: Patients (N=4) presenting with unilateral carotid occlusions were examined with a 3D constrained qBOLD protocol to map CBF, OEF, and cerebral blood volume, allowing for calculations of local CMRO2. Results: Data show both global and hemispheric differences in oxygen metabolism compared to healthy subjects. Impact: The novel c-qBOLD protocol has potential clinical utility as the degree and character of metabolic dysfunction, but can be performed quickly, offers fine spatial resolution (5.8mm3), and avoids uncomfortable calibration procedures.