Comparison of MR-based oximetry for whole-brain oxygen extraction fraction in adults with sickle cell disease

Motivation: OEF as a biomarker requires SvO2 quantity, which can be estimated via susceptometry-based oximetry (SBO) and T2-based oximetry (T2O). SvO2 presents a 3% bias in T2O relative to SBO in healthy subjects, while OEF between SBO and T2O in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) still needs investigation. Goal(s): Our goal was to evaluate the systemic bias of SvO2-dependent quantities between SBO and T2O in adults with SCD. Approach: In this study, OxFlow and TRUST sequences were conducted for SvO2 estimation. Results: SBO and T2O yielded a negligible bias in OEF in subjects with SCD. Impact: SBO and T2O are in good agreement in OEF estimation, in excellent consistence with the trend reported for healthy subjects.