Role of arterial spin labelling in the assessment of brain tumours and tumour-like lesions: a case-based review

Abstract

Arterial spin labelling (ASL) is one of the new cerebral perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies that provides useful information about the intracranial lesional perfusion through the measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Tumours and tumour-like lesions are associated with alterations in the CBF. The identification of these perfusion changes can help predict the tumour grade as well as differentiate true brain neoplasms from their mimics. Furthermore, ASL is a valuable tool for monitoring tumour treatment and tracking tumour progression. This case-based review aims to illustrate the role of ASL as a problem-solving tool in the assessment and management of intra-axial and extra-axial brain tumours. It also highlights the importance of ASL in the evaluation of intracranial tumour-like lesions.