Application of T1 Map Information Based on Synthetic MRI for Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Imaging: A Comparison Study...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Quantitative MRI

Background:

• Accurate baseline T1 mapping is crucial for quantitative analysis in dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI.
• Synthetic MRI offers a novel approach for generating T1 maps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pharmacokinetic parameters derived from DCE MRI using synthetic MRI-based T1 maps versus fixed baseline T1 values.
• To evaluate the reliability and clinical utility of synthetic MRI for DCE MRI analysis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 102 patients who underwent both DCE and synthetic brain MRI.
• Comparison of pharmacokinetic parameters (Ktrans, vp, ve) using two baseline T1 methods: fixed value vs. synthetic MRI T1 map.
• Assessment of reliability using interclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in Ktrans, ve, and vp values were observed between the two methods across different brain regions (frontal WM, occipital WM, putamen, caudate nucleus).
• The fixed value method generally yielded higher Ktrans, ve, and vp in normal-appearing white matter compared to the T1 map method.
• The T1 map method demonstrated comparable interobserver agreement to the fixed baseline T1 value method.

Conclusions:

• Synthetic MRI-derived T1 mapping provides a reliable method for quantitative DCE MRI analysis.
• This approach may enhance the reflection of individual patient differences in clinical DCE MRI applications.