Abstract #2914

Schabel M

Accurate quantification of arterial input function is a critical step in quantitative contrast kinetic modeling for tissue perfusion. We describe and demonstrate a data analysis methodology for SPGR pulse sequences which explicitly incorporates the nonlinear relationship between signal enhancement and contrast concentration. The algorithm only requires pre-contrast T1 measurement, and is insensitive to tissue T2* and receive B1 inhomogeneities. Phantom and in vivo measurements are presented demonstrating the accuracy of the method and the importance of nonlinear effects in AIF characterization.