A framework for rapid three-dimensional visualization of whole cerebral vasculature in mice using high-frequency ultrafast ultrasound with continuous mechanical scanning and ensemble size optimization

Abstract Understanding cerebrovascular dynamics requires imaging techniques that provide high spatial and temporal resolution over a wide field of view in small animals. In this study, we developed a high-frequency ultrafast ultrasound framework that combines contrast-enhanced imaging with continuous mechanical scanning to achieve volumetric acquisition of whole-brain in mice within 5 s. The acquired data were processed using section-wise singular value decomposition, in which the in-phase and quadrature dataset is divided into spatial sections according to the elevational resolution of the transducer. This approach enabled robust extraction of blood-flow signals, preserved spatial continuity across all three dimensions, and balanced Doppler sensitivity with elevation resolution. The reconstructed power Doppler images successfully visualized major cerebral arteries and veins, branching vessels, and fine cortical and subcortical microvasculature. These results demonstrate the feasibility of rapid three-dimensional visualization of whole-brain vascular networks, providing a foundation for future studies requiring fast and repeated monitoring of cerebrovascular dynamics.