Simulations of systematic error in a new quantitative BOLD method incorporating an independent measure of deoxygenated blood volume

Motivation: To investigate sources of error in a new quantitative BOLD technique incorporating an independent measure of deoxygenated blood volume. Goal(s): Simulate the effect of systematic error and system noise on estimates of oxygen extraction fraction. Approach: Monte Carlo simulations of the random walk of protons around deoxygenated blood vessels modelled as infinite cylinders were performed using a standard approach. Results: These simulations show that introducing an independent measure of DBV into the qBOLD framework provides improved estimates of oxygen extraction fraction. Impact: This improved technique for mapping oxygen extraction has wide applications in the study of neurological disorders including stroke, dementia and cancer.