133Xe-DSPECT: Normal values of cerebral blood flow at rest and of reserve capacity

Using the 133Xe-DSPECT technique, quantitative measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were performed before and after provocation with acetazolamide (Diamox) i.v. in 32 patients without evidence of brain disease (normals). In 6 cases, additional studies were carried out to establish the time of maximal rCBF increase which was found to be approximately 15 min p.i. 1 g of Diamox increases the rCBF from 58 ± 8 at rest to 73 ± 5 ml/100 g/min. A Diamox dose of 2 g (9 cases) causes no further rCBF increase. After plotting the rCBF before provocation (rCBFR) and the Diamox-induced rCBF increase (reserve capacity, Δ rCBF) the regression line was Δ rCBF = -0,6 x rCBFR+50 (correlation coefficient: r = -0,77). In normals with relatively low rCBF values at rest, Diamox increases the reserve capacity much more than in normals with high rCBF values before provocation. It can be expected that this concept of measuring rCBF at rest and the reserve capacity will increase the sensitivity of distinguishing patients with reversible cerebrovascular disease (even bilateral) from normals. (orig.)