Experimentally‐derived functional form for a population‐averaged high‐temporal‐resolution arterial input function for dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI

TLDR

Rapid T1‑weighted 3D spoiled gradient‑echo data were acquired in 23 cancer patients across 113 visits, the arterial input function was automatically extracted after a standardized gadodiamide bolus, and the resulting AIFs were averaged to produce a population‑representative high‑temporal‑resolution AIF. The population AIF improved reproducibility of DCE‑MRI pharmacokinetic parameters (K^trans, v_e, v_p) and increased sensitivity to therapy‑induced changes. © 2006 Wiley‑Liss, Inc., Magn Reson Med.

Abstract

Abstract Rapid T 1 ‐weighted 3D spoiled gradient‐echo (GRE) data sets were acquired in the abdomen of 23 cancer patients during a total of 113 separate visits to allow dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) analysis of tumor microvasculature. The arterial input function (AIF) was measured in each patient at each visit using an automated AIF extraction method following a standardized bolus administration of gadodiamide. The AIFs for each patient were combined to obtain a mean AIF that is representative for any individual. The functional form of this general AIF may be useful for studies in which AIF measurements are not possible. Improvements in the reproducibility of DCE‐MRI model parameters ( K trans , v e , and v p ) were observed when this new, high‐temporal‐resolution population AIF was used, indicating the potential for increased sensitivity to therapy‐induced change. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.