Application of Exogeneous Gaseous Agents in Patients with Brain Tumors using High-Resolution Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging

Introduction: Blood oxygenation level dependency (BOLD) magnetic resonance contrast has been used for functional and anatomic investigations. The oxygenation level of venous blood can be modulated by exogeneous agents, such as carbogen and oxygen. The aim of this study was to employ a high resolution BOLD method to investigate the response of brain tumors to these breathing gases. Methods: Data of six patients [four with glioblastoma multiforme (all grade IV), one with an astrocytoma (grade II), and one with a cerebral metastasis; all histologically confirmed] were acquired using a susceptibility-weighted 3D gra…