Delay and dispersion effects in dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI: Simulations using singular value decomposition

Dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI is now increasingly used for meas uring perfusion in many different applications. The quantification of DSC d ata requires the measurement of the arterial input function (AIF) and the d econvolution of the tissue concentration time curve. One of the most accept ed deconvolution methods is the use of singular value decomposition (SVD). Simulations were performed to evaluate the effects on DSC quantification of the presence of delay and dispersion in the estimated AIF. Both delay and dispersion were found to introduce significant underestimation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and overestimation of mean transit time (MTT). While the e rror introduced by the delay can be corrected by using the information of t he arrival time of the bolus, the correction for the dispersion is less str aightforward and requires a model for the vasculature. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.