Abstract
PurposePharmacokinetic models facilitate assessment of properties of the micro-vascularization based on DCE-MRI data. However, accurate pharmacokinetic modeling in the liver is challenging since it has two vascular inputs and it is subject to large deformation and displacement due to respiration.MethodsWe propose an improved pharmacokinetic model for the liver that (1) analytically models the arrival-time of the contrast agent for both inputs separately; (2) implicitly compensates for signal fluctuations that can be modeled by varying applied flip-angle e.g. due to B1-inhomogeneity.Orton’s AIF model is used to analytically represent the vascular input functions. The inputs are independently embedded into the Sourbron model. B1-inhomogeneity-driven variations of flip-angles are accounted for to justify the voxel’s displacement with respect to a pre-contrast image.ResultsThe new model was shown to yield lower root mean square error (RMSE) after fitting the model to all but a minority of voxels compared to Sourbron’s approach. Furthermore, it outperformed this existing model in the majority of voxels according to three model-selection criteria.ConclusionOur work primarily targeted to improve pharmacokinetic modeling for DCE-MRI of the liver. However, other types of pharmacokinetic models may also benefit from our approaches, since the techniques are generally applicable.
Highlights
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is a technique that can be applied to assess properties of the micro-vascularization in organs such as the liver, breast, and kidney [1][2]
Other types of pharmacokinetic models may benefit from our approaches, since the techniques are generally applicable
We confirm that data access requests for legitimate researchers interested in replication of the present study would be granted
Summary
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is a technique that can be applied to assess properties of the micro-vascularization in organs such as the liver, breast, and kidney [1][2]. Contrary to standard Gd-based contrast media, the hepatobiliary contrast agent Gadoxetate disodium (PrimovistTM, Bayer pharmaceutical) is taken up by the hepatocytes. As such an additional compartment should be taken into account in a pharmacokinetic model. During image acquisition the liver can experience large deformations and displacements, which may significantly influence the signal intensity (e.g. due to B1-inhomogeneity). These issues result in the fact that accurate pharmacokinetic modeling in the liver is far from trivial
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