David Bonekamp1, Barney Douglas Ward2,
Richard Leigh3, Peter B. Barker1, Arvind P. Pathak1
1Department of Radiology and
Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States;
2Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin,,
Milwaukee, WI, United States; 3Department of Neurology, Johns
Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
Extravasation
of contrast during bolus passage alters the dynamic susceptibility contrast
MRI signal. Reliable quantification of microvascular parameters in common
brain pathologies depends on the ability to account for effects of leaky
vasculature. Analytical solutions are hampered by mathematical
approximations. We extend the computational finite perturber model (FPM) by
incorporating a compartmental model to simulate arterial bolus passage and
contrast agent extravasation. We find that known characteristics of DSC-MRI
signal curves can be successfully modeled. This approach provides a powerful
framework to optimize imaging sequences and to examine the complicated interaction
of pathological, physiological and biophysical phenomena that result in the
observed DSC-MRI signal.