A community-endorsed open-source lexicon for contrast agent-based perfusion MRI: A consensus guidelines report from...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Perfusion MRI analysis lacks standardized terminology, leading to reporting variability.
• The Open Science Initiative for Perfusion Imaging (OSIPI) aims to improve data sharing and reproducibility in perfusion imaging.
• Taskforce 4.2 was established to address the need for standardized definitions in perfusion MRI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the ISMRM OSIPI lexicon for dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and dynamic susceptibility-contrast (DSC) MRI.
• To provide standardized definitions for quantities, models, and analysis processes in perfusion MRI.
• To enhance the reproducibility and reporting consistency of perfusion MRI studies.

Main Methods:

• Development of the lexicon by a multidisciplinary taskforce (Taskforce 4.2 of OSIPI).
• Collaborative definition and review of lexicon items and reporting formats.
• Open community review of Version 1.0.0 of the lexicon followed by endorsement by the ISMRM Perfusion Study Group.
• Development of an XML-based pipeline encoding format for machine-readable analysis descriptions.

Main Results:

• The lexicon provides standardized definitions for DCE and DSC MRI analyses, including kinetic model fitting.
• Guidance is offered for incorporating lexicon definitions into free-text descriptions and machine-readable code.
• The lexicon is designed as an open-source and extensible resource for the perfusion imaging community.

Conclusions:

• Widespread adoption of the ISMRM OSIPI lexicon is expected to significantly increase reproducibility in perfusion MRI.
• The lexicon facilitates standardized reporting of end-to-end analysis pipelines.
• The initiative promotes a common language for perfusion MRI, aiding collaboration and data interpretation.