Measurement of the arterial concentration of Gd-DTPA using MRI: a step toward quantitative perfusion imaging

A noninvasive method using an inversion recovery turbo-FLASH for dynamic measurement of the arterial input function represented by the bolus passage of Gd-DTPA in the descending aorta is presented, and the results are compared with the input function obtained by arterial blood samples. A good accordance between the two input functions was found, indicating that it is possible to measure the input function to the myocardium using MRI. A variation between the two concentration curves of 5% at upslope, 2.7% at peak point, and < 7% at downslope was found. The study also indicates that a short inversion time < 250 ms has to be used to ensure correct measurement of peak concentration.