SNR Requirements for Accurate Estimation of Magnitude and Kinetic Properties of Post-Contraction Signal Transients

Elizabeth A. Copenhaver¹, Otto A. Sanchez, Bruce M. Damon

Following brief isometric contractions, gradient echo signal intensities acquired at TE=6 ms reflect changes in blood volume. This technique can be used to evaluate microvascular function, but the minimum SNR required for accurate amplitude and kinetic parameter estimation is unknown. Using Monte Carlo simulations, it was found that an SNR of 60 allows accurate estimation of amplitude and kinetic parameters for ROI sizes greater than 50 voxels and post-contraction signal intensity changes greater than 0.12% of pre-contraction baseline.