Measuring Glymphatic Flow in Man Using Quantitative Contrast-Enhanced MRI.

In this technical report, the authors used MR myelography to demonstrate the feasibility of T1 mapping to quantify contrast concentration to analyze glymphatic flow in man. There is increasing interest in its use as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target in Alzheimer disease. SUMMARY: On the basis of animal models, glymphatic flow disruption is hypothesized to be a factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. We report the first quantitative study of glymphatic flow in man, combining intrathecal administration of gadobutrol with serial T1 mapping to produce contrast concentration maps up to 3 days postinjection, demonstrating performing a quantitative study using the techniques described feasibility and providing data on pharmacokinetics.