Multiple reference tissue method for contrast agent arterial input function estimation.

摘要: A precise contrast agent (CA) arterial input function (AIF) is important for accurate quantitative analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI. This paper proposes a method to estimate the AIF using data from multiple reference tissues, assuming that their AIFs have same shape, with possible difference in bolus arrival time. By minimizing cost function, one can simultaneously parameters and underlying tissues. The computationally efficient estimated smooth higher temporal resolution than original data. Simulations suggest this provide reliable DCE-MRI moderate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) resolution, its performance increases significantly as SNR increase. As demonstrated by clinical application, sufficient tissues be easily obtained normal subregions segmented tumor region interest (ROI), which suggests generally applied cancer-based studies AIF. applicable general kinetic models DCE-MRI, well other CE imaging modalities. Magn Reson Med, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.