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Optimal Temporal Resolution to Achieve Good Image Quality and Perform Pharmacokinetic Analysis in Free-breathing
Kazuki Oyama1, Fumihito Ichinohe1, Akira Yamada1
1Department of Radiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine.
Purpose:
The optimal temporal resolution for free-breathing dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (FBDCE-MRI) of the pancreas has not been determined. This study aimed to evaluate the appropriate temporal resolution to achieve good image quality and to perform pharmacokinetic analysis in FBDCE-MRI of the pancreas using golden-angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP).
Methods:
Sixteen participants (53 ± 15 years, eight females) undergoing FBDCE-MRI were included in this prospective study. Images were retrospectively reconstructed at four temporal resolutions (1.8, 3.0, 4.8, and 7.8s). Two radiologists (5 years of experience) evaluated the image quality of each reconstructed image by assessing the visualization of the celiac artery (CEA), the common hepatic artery, the splenic artery, each area of the pancreas, and artifacts using a 5-point scale. Using Tissue-4D, pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated for each area in the reconstructed images at each temporal resolution for 16 examinations, excluding two with errors in the pharmacokinetic modeling analysis. Friedman and Bonferroni tests were used for analysis. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
During vascular assessment, only scores for the CEA at 7.8s were significantly lower than the other temporal resolutions. Scores of all pancreatic regions and artifacts were significantly lower at 1.8s than at 4.8s and 7.8s. In the pharmacokinetic analysis, all volume transfer coefficients (Ktrans), rate constants (Kep), and the initial area under the concentration curve (iAUC) in the pancreatic head and tail were significantly lower at 4.8s and 7.8s than at 1.8s. iAUC in the pancreatic body and extracellular extravascular volume fraction (Ve) in the pancreatic head were significantly lower at 7.8s than at 1.8s.
Conclusion:
A temporal resolution of 3.0s is appropriate to achieve image quality and perform pharmacokinetic analysis in FBDCE-MRI of the pancreas using GRASP.
Insights
A 3.0s temporal resolution is optimal for pancreatic dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (FBDCE-MRI) using GRASP, balancing image quality and pharmacokinetic analysis. This finding aids in optimizing FBDCE-MRI protocols for pancreatic imaging.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (FBDCE-MRI) is crucial for pancreatic imaging.
- Determining the optimal temporal resolution for FBDCE-MRI is essential for accurate image quality and pharmacokinetic analysis.
- Golden-angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) imaging allows for high temporal resolution in free-breathing DCE-MRI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the appropriate temporal resolution for free-breathing dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (FBDCE-MRI) of the pancreas using GRASP.
- To assess the impact of different temporal resolutions on image quality and pharmacokinetic parameter accuracy.
- To determine the optimal temporal resolution for reliable pancreatic FBDCE-MRI.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen participants underwent FBDCE-MRI.
- Images were reconstructed at four temporal resolutions: 1.8s, 3.0s, 4.8s, and 7.8s.
- Image quality was assessed by two radiologists, and pharmacokinetic parameters (Ktrans, Kep, iAUC, Ve) were calculated using Tissue-4D.
Main Results:
- Image quality scores for pancreatic regions and artifacts were significantly lower at 1.8s compared to 4.8s and 7.8s.
- Vascular assessment showed significantly lower scores for the celiac artery at 7.8s.
- Pharmacokinetic parameters (Ktrans, Kep, iAUC) were significantly lower at 4.8s and 7.8s compared to 1.8s, indicating potential underestimation at slower resolutions.
Conclusions:
- A temporal resolution of 3.0s is appropriate for FBDCE-MRI of the pancreas using GRASP.
- This resolution achieves a balance between image quality and accurate pharmacokinetic analysis.
- The findings support the use of 3.0s temporal resolution for optimizing pancreatic FBDCE-MRI protocols.
