Perfusion Analysis for Lung MR Images Considering Non-Monotonic Response of Gd-Contrast Agent

Abstract In order to remain in a monotonic concentration-signal relationship, tracer with low concentration is usually administrated. A new tracer concentration quantification to determine the non-monotonic effect and to enable the correct interpretation of the MR signal intensity, is proposed. It is based on the evaluation of the MR signal intensity in time that might have multiple peaks. A new method for perfusion analysis is also proposed, that is based on the blood flow inside the vessels like the γ variate model and the extravasation as the two compartment model. Samples of processing results of the proposed method applied to patients with confirmed cancer and pulmonary embolus are presented.