UMMPerfusion: an open source software tool towards quantitative MRI perfusion analysis in clinical routine.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Radiology

Background:

• Quantitative perfusion analysis in MRI is crucial for clinical decision-making.
• Existing tools may lack integration into clinical workflows or robust quality management.
• Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) provides valuable perfusion data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile, Open Source MRI perfusion analysis tool for quantitative parameter mapping within a clinical workflow.
• To implement methods for quality management of perfusion data.
• To create an extendable platform for various perfusion algorithms.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a pixel-by-pixel deconvolution algorithm for DCE-MRI data analysis.
• Developed the tool as an OsiriX plug-in with parallel computing capabilities.
• Integrated automated reporting for quality management and saved results as DICOM objects.

Main Results:

• The OsiriX plug-in successfully calculated parametric maps (plasma flow, volume of distribution, mean transit time) for ten prostate DCE-MRI datasets.
• Results showed minimal deviation compared to a reference implementation (e.g., plasma flow: 0.032 ± 0.02 ml/100 ml/min).
• Calculation time was reduced by a factor of 2.5 using eight CPU cores.

Conclusions:

• Successfully developed an Open Source OsiriX plug-in for T1-DCE-MRI perfusion analysis in a quality-managed clinical environment.
• The model-free deconvolution approach enables perfusion analysis for diverse clinical applications.
• The plug-in facilitates the transfer of physiological process information into clinical practice.