Robust, Semi-Automatic Detection of Vascular Input Function in Brain DCE-MRI

Motivation: In order to extract quantitative measures from perfusion imaging, pharmacokinetic models such as the (extended) Tofts are utilized. These models require contrast agent concentration in plasma to be estimated in a robust way for model fitting. Goal(s): Develop a method to measure the vascular input function in DCE-MRI brain scans based on superior sagittal sinus (SSS) values which is semi-automatic and robust to user input. Approach: Given a user selected seed point inside the SSS, image segmentation in combination with voxel-wise intensity analysis is used. Results: The method was shown to be robust towards user input in a small patient cohort. Impact: The presented method has the potential to improve the robustness of perfusion parameters, such as Ktrans, ve, and vp, making their usage as quantitative imaging biomarkers more feasible through a more consistent vascular input function definition.