Probing tumor microvascularity by measurement, analysis and display of contrast agent uptake kinetics

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Abstract
This paper describes a measurement protocol for acquiring quantitative dynamic MRI data and novel analysis and display software (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Workbench (MRIW)). Proton density‐weighted and T1‐weighted two‐dimensional gradient echo images are used to quantify tissue contrast agent concentration. The dynamic studies last approximately 7 minutes, with 10‐second temporal resolution. Analyses of signal and concentration changes with time are performed, allowing capillary permeability‐surface area product, tissue leakage space, enhancement onset time, mean enhancement gradient and maximum enhancement level to be mapped as false‐color parametric overlays registered with anatomic images. Quantification of permeability and leakage space provides a method for comparing physiology in patients between visits or for intersite comparisons.