Speaker
Description
Introduction Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a promising non-invasive perfusion imaging technique, but its reproducibility across platforms remains limited due to the lack of standardized, end-to-end pipelines. Although consensus guidelines exist, implementation variability persists. The Berkeley Advanced Reconstruction Toolbox (BART) is a free and open-source computational MRI framework for advanced image reconstruction that was recently extended to include pulse sequence design. We present a fully reproducible radial ASL pipeline in BART that integrates sequence generation, acquisition, and reconstruction. Radial sampling enables both conventional single-delay perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and continuous multi-delay acquisition within a single scan, improving time efficiency, motion robustness, and undersampling flexibility. To address ASL’s low signal-to-noise ratio, advanced reconstruction methods are incorporated. Methods A pseudo-continuous ASL (PCASL) sequence was implemented in BART following consensus recommendations. Data acquisition used a 2D radial sampling scheme on a 3T system in healthy volunteers, supporting both single-delay and continuous acquisitions. Image reconstruction employed parallel imaging compressed sensing with ASL-specific total generalized variation (ASL-TGV) regularization. Results and Discussion Single-delay acquisitions across multiple post-labeling delays (PLDs) demonstrated robust PWI generation, with ASL-TGV reducing noise at longer PLDs. Continuous acquisition provided improved structural detail and lower noise, especially at later time points, while capturing temporal dynamics efficiently. Notably, it achieved comparable temporal coverage in one quarter of the scan time and enabled retrospective temporal analysis. Conclusion This open-source radial ASL pipeline enables reproducible, vendor-independent workflows and flexible sequence sharing. Its modular design supports future extension to 3D imaging, promoting standardization and collaboration in ASL research.