Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging parameters independent of baseline T₁₀ values

A baseline T₁₀ value is typically needed for dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE-) MRI studies. However, an assumed baseline T₁₀ has to be used when T₁₀ measurements for patients are not available. In this work, we systematically investigate the dependence on T₁₀ of the commonly used DCE-MRI parameters (K^trans, k_ep, v_e and IAUC) as well as several newly defined parameters [the normalized ratios (NRs) of k_ep, K^trans and v_e, which are measures of relative changes in these parameters between two time points] for a spoiled gradient-echo pulse sequence using simulations and in vivo studies. Effects of various factors on the T₁₀ dependence, such as the true T₁₀ value, flip angle and the potential changes in T₁₀ due to treatment, were also assessed using simulations. We found that DCE-MRI parameters k_ep and the NR of k_ep are largely independent of T₁₀, especially when larger flip angles are used (e.g., 30-40°). Their estimations therefore do not require any knowledge of T₁₀. The NRs of K^trans, v_e and IAUC also exhibit independence to T₁₀, but only when T₁₀ remains constant between pre- and posttreatment. The estimation of parameters themselves (K^trans, v_e and IAUC) is highly dependent on the T₁₀ value.