The Coupling of Cerebrovascular Activity and Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow: A Pioneering Study at 7 T MRI

Motivation: By investigating the coupling between cerebrovascular activity and CSF flow using 7T, we aim to develop innovative imaging biomarkers for neurological-disorders. Goal(s): To explore the relationship between BOLD and CSF flow dynamics and identify potential biomarkers for neurological-disorders at 7T. Approach: 66 volunteers` functional and structural data were acquired on a 7T-scanner. Group-level-ICA was employed to generate five networks. To investigate the blood and CSF flow coupling, BOLD-CSF cross-correlation was performed. Results: No significant relative between BOLD-CSF coupling and age. Difference had existed in AAL2 vs AUD for BOLD-CSF coupling, and AAL2 vs AUD, SMN, VIS, AUD vs CEN, DMN for -d/dt(BOLD)-CSF coupling. Impact: This study will not only help us understand the intricate relationship between blood flow and CSF dynamics and potentially identify novel biomarkers neurodegenerative diseases.