Statistical error mapping for reliable quantitative T1 imaging

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Abstract
We developed a statistically based error image for rapid appreciation of unreliable regions in quantitative water proton T1 images. The chi-squared error and coefficient of variation of the fitted parameter were used to estimate uncertainties in the goodness-of-fit to monoexponential T1 relaxation and the reliability of the calculated T1, respectively, for each pixel. Errors exceeding a statistical threshold based on a .1 acceptance criterion were displayed as a color-coded overlay on the T1 image. Error maps of quantitative T1 images from 31 healthy volunteers showed a characteristic error structure; few pixels within the parenchyma had excessive errors. Clinical cases with stroke and sickle cell disease showed deviations from the normal pattern in the spatial distribution and magnitude of chisquared errors. Disease states may deviate from monoexponential T1 relaxation more than normal brain does. The color-coded error map is a valuable tool for investigators using quantitative MR imaging to determine tissue relaxation parameters.

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