Precision & Accuracy of Ktrans Estimated by Fitting the Extended Kety Model Parameters to DCE-MRI Time Course Data is Unaffected by the Choice of Optimisation Algorithm or Estimation of T1 using Linearisation

Anita Banerji^1,2, Josephine H. Naish^1,2, Giovanni A. Buonaccorsi¹, Geoff J. M. Parker^1,2

Estimation of tracer kinetic model parameters from DCE-MRI data typically relies on the use of an optimisation algorithm for fitting the model to time course data and for estimating T₁ from variable flip angle images. We compare the precision and accuracy of model parameters estimated using different frequently employed algorithms and demonstrate that choice of algorithm has little influence on K^trans. We also show that estimating T₁ by linearising the pulse sequence equation does not lead to a loss of precision or accuracy of the estimated K^trans values.