Overview
- USC scientists, working with Siemens Healthcare US, combined VASO and ASL on a 7T MRI to noninvasively capture volumetric pulsatility in tiny brain vessels, as reported in Nature Cardiovascular Research.
- The small cross-sectional study of 11 younger and 12 older adults found stronger pulsations in deep white matter with aging, with larger changes among older participants with high blood pressure.
- The technique measured pulsatility across gray and white matter and is presented as a promising research and potential clinical tool, though findings remain preliminary.
- Vice reported that pulse patterns appeared highly consistent within individuals across months of testing, suggesting a stable physiological signature.
- Authors say next steps include translating the method to widely available 3T scanners and running longitudinal studies to assess links with waste-clearance function, Alzheimer’s pathology and cognitive outcomes.