Application of three-dimensional arterial spin labeling for cerebral blood flow in migraine without aura

Objective To investigate the cerebral blood flow in migraine without aura with three-dimensional arterial spin labeling technology. Methods From January 2013 to February 2016, magnetic resonance perfusion imaging was operated in 20 migraine patients without aura and 20 healthy controls by using arterial spin labeling, to determine their regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during migraine attacks and attack-free period. The significant difference was analyzed in rCBF between the two groups. Results The rCBF was significantly lower at the headache side during migraine period ((52.77±5.97) ml·100 g-1·min-1) than symmetrical side in the migraine patients without aura ((62.72±6.65) ml·100 g-1·min-1,t=3.780, P<0.01). The rCBF of temporosphenoid lobe in headache side in the migraine patients without aura ((53.97±5.87) ml·100 g-1·min-1) was significantly lower than corresponding region in the control group ((59.21±2.35) ml·100 g-1·min-1,t=4.449, P=0.001). And no significant difference in rCBF was found in migraine patients without aura under attack-free period. Conclusions Three-dimensional arterial spin labeling could quantitatively analyze the cerebral blood flow. Monitoring the perfusion difference in migraine patients could provide some references in the pathogenesis research and therapy. Key words: Migraine; Cerebral blood flow; Magnetic resonance imaging, arterial spin labeling; Case control study