Arterial input functions from MR phase imaging

A method is presented for obtaining high‐sensitivity arterial input functions following bolus intravenous contrast agent administration. Arterial contrast agent is monitored by phase reconstruction of single‐shot echo‐planar images. During bolus injections of a gadolinium (Gd) agent in a baboon, data were acquired at the mid‐abdominal aorta, and magnitude and phase‐shift images were reconstructed. Pair‐wise image subtraction was used to minimize phase aliasing. The phase‐based method is shown to have a significant potential improvement in sensitivity compared to the magnitude approach. The phase method also has a general linear response to concentration. This method may have potential utility in quantitative imaging of blood flow and contrast agent kinetics.

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