Quantification of physiological and hemodynamic indices using T₁ dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in intracranial mass lesions

Purpose: To estimate precontrast tissue parameter (T₁₀) using fast spin echo (FSE) and to quantify physiological and hemodynamic parameters with leakage correction using T₁-weighted dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) perfusion imaging. Materials and Methods: Voxel-wise T₁₀ computation was performed followed by the analysis of T₁-weighted DCE perfusion data for the conversion of signal intensity time curve to concentration time curve, estimation of hemodynamic and physiological perfusion indices, and a method for leakage correction. Validations of accuracy of the computations have also been carried out. Results: The computed T₁₀ and hemodynamic perfusion indices in normal white and gray matter were in good agreement with the literature values. Physiological perfusion indices in these regions were found negligible, validating computations. Cerebral blood volume (CBV) values change negligibly over the length of concentration time curve in white matter, gray matter, and lesion (CBV_corrected), while CBV _uncorrected (lesion) shows linear increase over time. Conclusion: T₁-weighted DCE perfusion data along with FSE-based T₁ estimation can be used for an accurate estimation of hemodynamic and physiological perfusion indices.