Continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) setup for the primate brain at 7 T using a three-coil approach

Arterial spin labeling is commonly used to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the brain. Since CBF signal is intrinsically low, optimization of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is critical. CASL with a separate labeling coil has the advantages of increased SNR, multi-slice capability, and absence of magnetization transfer. The CASL method has been applied successfully in rats1-3, and in human studies4. Its wider application especially on routine human MR systems is hindered by the advanced hardware and software requirements. Here, we report the development of CASL for use on monkeys. Increased sensitivity (SNR) was achieved because of utilization of an custom-made three-coil setup and the use of high magnetic field (7T) with its favorable T1. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated with a flow phantom and with initial experiments in the monkey