Quantitative Biomedical Imaging Laboratory

Title: Probing tumor microvascularity by measurement, analysis and display of contrast agent uptake kinetics
Authors: Geoffrey J. M. Parker, John Suckling, Steven F. Tanner, Anwar R. Padhani, Patrick B. Revell, Janet E. Husband, Martin O. Leach
Journal: J. Mag. Res. Imag.
Link: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/112148102/abstract
Year: 1997
Volume: 7
Number: 3
Pages: 564–74
Month: May–June
Abstract: This paper describes a measurement protocol for acquiring quantitative dynamic MRI data and novel analysis and display software (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Workbench (MRIW)). Proton density-weighted and T1-weighted two-dimensional gradient echo images are used to quantify tissue contrast agent concentration. The dynamic studies last approximately 7 minutes, with 10-second temporal resolution. Analyses of signal and concentration changes with time are performed, allowing capillary permeability-surface area product, tissue leakage space, enhancement onset time, mean enhancement gradient and maximum enhancement level to be mapped as false-color parametric overlays registered with anatomic images. Quantification of permeability and leakage space provides a method for comparing physiology in patients between visits or for intersite comparisons.