Arterial Spin-Labeling Perfusion for Neuroradiologists: The Essentials

Abstract

Arterial spin-labeling is an increasingly used advanced imaging technique that can assess perfusion without the administration of IV contrast. There is a myriad of clinical uses for arterial spin-labeling that are important to the practice of neuroradiology. In this pictorial review, we provide an image-rich guide to the different clinical applications of arterial spin-labeling with a focus on the essential imaging findings. Covered areas include the applications of arterial spin-labeling in tumors, cerebrovascular disease, arteriovenous malformation, infection, and dementia. A mastery of arterial spin-labeling provides an important tool in the neuroradiologist's arsenal to best assist the ordering clinician in arriving at the correct diagnostic interpretation.Learning Objective: To describe the various clinical applications of arterial spin-labeling and their associated imaging findings