MEASUREMENT OF THE ARTERIAL CONCENTRATION OF GD-DTPA USING MRI - A STEP TOWARD QUANTITATIVE PERFUSION IMAGING

A noninvasive method using an inversion recovery turbo-FLASH for dynam ic measurement of the arterial input function represented by the bolus passage of Gd-DTPA in the descending aorta is presented, and the resu lts are compared with the input function obtained by arterial blood sa mples. A good accordance between the two input functions was found, in dicating that it is possible to measure the input function to the myoc ardium using MRI. A variation between the two concentration curves of 5% at upslope, 2.7% at peak point, and <7% at downslope was found. The study also indicates that a short inversion time <250 ms has to be us ed to ensure correct measurement of peak concentration.