Regional cerebral blood flow measurements by 133Xe-inhalation: Methodology and applications in neuropsychology and psychiatry

This review describes methodological improvements of the ¹³³Xe-inhalation technique for measurement of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) comprising correction routines both for scattered radiation from air passages and for remaining activity from previous measurements, as well as a new index of curve fit exactness. Measurements in normals are described showing new characteristics of the resting flow pattern and localized flow changes during activation with a variety of mental tasks. Our clinical applications in psychiatry are reviewed demonstrating the ability of the rCBF technique for differential diagnosis of dementia, for the evaluation of treatment by drugs, ECT, or psychosurgery, as well as for following, cases of toxic influence. The paper finally discusses the potentials as well as the limitations and artifacts of the technique.