Quantitative perfusion and water transport time model from multi b-value diffusion magnetic resonance imaging...

Quantification of perfusion in ml/100 g/min, rather than comparing relative values side-to-side, is critical at the clinical and research levels for large longitudinal and multi-center trials. Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) is a non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging diffusion-based scan that uses a multitude of $$-values to measure various speeds of molecular perfusion and diffusion, sidestepping inaccuracy of arterial input functions or bolus kinetics. Questions remain as to the original of the signal and whether IVIM returns quantitative and accurate perfusion in a pathology setting. This study tests a novel method of IVIM perfusion quantification compared with neutron capture microspheres.

We derive an expression for the quantification of capillary blood flow in ml/100 g/min by solving the three-dimensional Gaussian probability distribution and defining water transport time (WTT) as when 50% of the original water remains in the tissue of interest. Calculations were verified in a six-subject pre-clinical canine model of normocapnia, $$ induced hypercapnia, and middle cerebral artery occlusion (ischemic stroke) and compared with quantitative microsphere perfusion.

Linear regression analysis of IVIM and microsphere perfusion showed agreement (slope = 0.55, intercept = 52.5, $$) with a Bland-Altman mean difference of $$ $$. Linear regression between dynamic susceptibility contrast mean transit time and IVIM WTT asymmetry in infarcted tissue was excellent ($$, intercept = 0.3, $$). Strong linear agreement was found between IVIM and reference standard infarct volume (slope = 1.01, $$). The simulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suppression via inversion recovery returned a blood signal reduced by 82% from combined T1 and T2 effects.

The accuracy and sensitivity of IVIM provides evidence that observed signal changes reflect cytotoxic edema and tissue perfusion and can be quantified with WTT. Partial volume contamination of CSF may be better removed during post-processing rather than with inversion recovery.