Pseudo-continuous Arterial Spin Labeling and T1 mapping in the kidney: Effects of field strength, sex and age

Motivation: Pseudo-continuous Arterial Spin Labeling(PCASL) and T1 mapping are promising techniques for assessing renal pathophysiology.Renal PCASL studies have been conducted at 1.5T and 3T without direct comparison between field strengths. Goal(s): The main objective was to assess the effects of field strength, age and sex on the measured perfusion signal and T1, and evaluate reproducibility at both fields. Approach: Healthy volunteers underwent repeated scans at both field strengths. Results: Cortical Renal Blood Flow(RBF) was significantly higher in younger subjects and slightly elevated at 3T. T1 values were significantly higher at 3T as expected, with no significant age or sex differences except for medullary T1. Impact: Results support the use of PCASL and T1 mapping at 1.5T and 3T fields, widening the clinical applicability of the techniques.