Jeffrey Moses Njus1, Edit Dosa2,
Seymur Gahramanov2, John W. Grinstead3, Xin Li1,
Charles S. Springer, Jr. 1, Edward A. Neuwelt2, William
D. Rooney1
1Advanced Imaging Research Center,
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; 2Department
of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United
States; 3Siemens Medical Solutions, Portland, OR, United States
MRI
DSC techniques offer an efficient way to characterize brain perfusion
properties. However, the use of low-molecular weight gadolinium based
contrast agents (Gd) can introduce a significant confound into standard DSC
analysis if extravasation is extensive; as often is the case for brain
tumors. The purpose of this study was
to investigate the use of an ultra-small paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO)
compound to estimate brain tumor blood volume in human subjects. To accomplish this goal, DSC acquisitions
were performed using both Gd and USPIO based contrast agents in eleven human
subjects at 3T and 7T.