In Vivo Tissue Extracellular Volume Fraction Measurement by Dynamic Spin-Lattice MRI Relaxometry

Abstract

NMR extracellular volume estimates closely agree with those obtained using the more classic invasive isotopic method (99mTc-DTPA) carried out on the same rabbit strain and with data reported in the literature. The method has potential applications to characterize the pathophysiologic status of tissues. It is also applicable to a wide range of tissues and pathologies, in particular for the characterization of malignant tissues and their response to therapies.