pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling
Also written as: pCASL — pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling
An ASL technique using radiofrequency pulses to label arterial blood water as an endogenous tracer for cerebral perfusion measurement.
Full Definition
Pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) is a magnetic resonance perfusion imaging technique that applies a train of radiofrequency pulses to magnetically label arterial blood water protons as they flow through a labeling plane. This labeled blood serves as an endogenous contrast agent, allowing quantitative measurement of cerebral blood flow without requiring exogenous contrast injection. pCASL provides superior signal-to-noise ratio compared to pulsed ASL techniques and has become the recommended standard for clinical ASL implementations due to its improved labeling efficiency and reduced sensitivity to transit time effects.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as pCASL; specify labeling duration and post-labeling delay parameters.
In Context
- "Pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling demonstrated hypoperfusion in the watershed territories consistent with hemodynamic compromise." — Stroke imaging protocol
- "The pCASL sequence was optimized with a post-labeling delay of 2000ms for optimal gray matter signal." — Technical protocol documentation