Low-dose Dynamic Imaging for Cerebrovascular Evaluation (LD-DICE)

Motivation: Gadolinium retention in the human body following dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI remains a health concern to many patients, especially those who need long-term imaging follow-up. Goal(s): This work aims to investigate the feasibility of using a recently developed technique, MR multitasking-based dynamic imaging for cerebrovascular evaluation (DICE), to quantify permeability and perfusion with a 0.03 mmol/kg dose. Approach: Numerical simulations were conducted to determine the optimal dose level. Assessments for the agreement of low-dose DICE (LD-DICE) with full-dose DICE (FD-DICE) were performed. Results: Good correlation was achieved. Brain tissue perfusion and permeability can be quantified simultaneously with LD-DICE. Impact: Low-dose DICE will allow for comprehensive tumor vascularity evaluation with considerably less contrast agent than clinical standard protocols, which will benefit brain tumor patients who need frequent imaging follow-ups.