  Purpose: The DANTE-SPACE sequence facilitates three-dimensional intracranial
vessel wall imaging with simultaneous suppression of blood and cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF). However, the achieved image contrast depends closely on the
selected sequence parameters, and the clinical use of the sequence is limited
in vivo by observed signal variations in the vessel wall, CSF, and blood. This
paper introduces a comprehensive DANTE-SPACE simulation framework, with the aim
of providing a better understanding of the underlying contrast mechanisms and
facilitating improved parameter selection and contrast optimization.
  Methods: An Extended Phase Graph (EPG) formalism was developed for efficient
spin ensemble simulation of the DANTE-SPACE sequence. Physiological processes
such as pulsatile flow velocity variation, varying flow directions, intravoxel
dephasing, diffusion, and B1+ effects were included in the framework to
represent the mechanisms behind the achieved signal levels accurately.
  Results: Intravoxel velocity averaging improved temporal stability and
robustness against small velocity changes. Time-varying pulsatile velocity
variation affected CSF simulations, introducing periods of near-zero velocity
and partial rephasing. Inclusion of diffusion effects was found to
substantially reduce the CSF signal. Blood flow trajectory variations had minor
effects, but B1+ differences along the trajectory reduced DANTE efficiency in
low-B1+ areas. Introducing low-velocity pulsatility of both CSF and vessel wall
helped explain the in vivo observed signal heterogeneity in both tissue types.
  Conclusion: The presented simulation framework facilitates a more
comprehensive optimization of DANTE-SPACE sequence parameters. Furthermore, the
simulation framework helps to explain observed contrasts in acquired data.
