Advancing Estimation of Microvascular Perfusion in the Choroid Plexus through Inversion Recovery Prepared IVIM MRI

Motivation: Measuring vascular perfusion in the Choroid Plexus (ChP) is challenging due to its smaller size and the pronounced partial volume effects from CSF. Goal(s): To improve blood perfusion assessment of ChP utilizing Inversion recovery (IR) prepared IVIM imaging. Approach: Higher in-plane resolution (1.5x1.5mm2) IVIM diffusion MRI data with and without the IR preparation were acquired. The signal was analyzed using inverse Laplace transform (ILT) to estimate diffusion compartments within ChP for IVIM-derived perfusion fraction analysis. Results: ILT analysis of IR-prepared IVIM revealed three diffusion compartments within the ChP and reported higher perfusion fraction observed in IR-prepared IVIM versus IVIM without IR-preparation. Impact: This study provides a novel approach to investigate the microvascular perfusion in Choroid Plexus (ChP) with CSF signal removed. IR preparation does not completely remove the free-diffusion compartment but increases the microvascular perfusion fraction estimation in ChP.