A Variational Approach to Image Registration in DCE-MRI of Human Kidney

Andreas D. Merrem¹, Frank G. Zoellner¹, Lothar R. Schad¹

DCE-MRI is an emerging technique for a more accurate assessment of local renal function. Measured time-intensity-curves used for quantification of kidney function are hampered by respiratory motion. We analysed the feasibility of a variational approach to image registration in DCE-MRI. Evaluation was performed by checkerboards, measuring the vertical displacement of an anatomical reference point, and fitting a 2-compartment model to a ROI in the renal cortex. Registration was successful for 4 out of the 5 data sets. The motion could be reduced to below the in-plane resolution of 1.5mm. The Akaike error of fitting the 2-compartment model is reduced up to 24%.