Rapid measurement of cerebral venous oxygenation using EPI-based T2-Relaxation-Under-Phase-Contrast (TRUPC)

Motivation: Cerebral venous oxygenation (Yv) is a potential biomarker in brain diseases. However, regional measurement of Yv in clinically desirable time (e.g., 1-2 minutes) is not available. Goal(s): To develop a MR technique for rapid and accurate Yv measurement. Approach: A EPI-based T2-Relaxation-Under-Phase-Contrast (TRUPC) MRI sequence was proposed. Eight subjects were studied to assess feasibility and reproducibility. Another eight underwent O2 inhalation and caffeine ingestion to demonstrate the sensitivity to Yv changes. Results: The sequence can measure Yv in internal-cerebral-veins, straight-sinus, and superior-sagittal-sinus with a variability of 3%. It also showed excellent sensitivity to O2 and caffeine challenges. Impact: We developed a MR technique for accurate and reliable Yv measurement on brain veins within 1.5 minutes. It showed nice reproducibility and consistency under different challenges with previously developed sequence.