Evaluating Cerebral Perfusion Changes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients After Enhanced External Counterpulsation Using ASL and IVIM Sequences

Motivation: There is a need for advanced MRI sequences to better assess brain perfusion changes in AIS patients following EECP treatment. Goal(s): To use arterial spin labeling (ASL) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI sequences to evaluate the short-term efficacy of EECP in AIS patients. Approach: Correlation analysis was performed between changes in NIHSS scores and differences in ASL (PLD=1.5s, 2.5s) and IVIM parameters before and after EECP. ROIs were delineated, and quantitative differences in CBF (1.5s and 2.5s), D, D*, and f parameters were calculated. Results: ASL and IVIM can evaluate the effect of EECP on cerebral perfusion in AIS patients. Impact: ASL and IVIM effectively assess cerebral perfusion and collateral circulation in AIS patients. These imaging techniques offer a novel, non-invasive method for evaluating the efficacy of EECP treatment, providing valuable insights into treatment-related changes in brain perfusion and clinical outcomes.