Modeling contrast agent dynamics in the lung: effects of tissue volume fractions and intercompartmental water exchange in pulmonary DCE-MRI

Motivation: In vivo characterization of pulmonary perfusion and microvascular parameters could aid in the understanding of the pathophysiology underlying fibrotic lung disease. Goal(s): We propose a lung-specific pharmacokinetic model (2C3XF) for modeling DCE-MRI signal. Approach: Sensitivity analysis of the 2C3XF model parameters and fitting in the presence of noise were assessed using simulated data. Regional and full-slice parameter fits were performed for a human subject with fibrotic lung disease. Results: Simulation results showed improved performance of the 2C3XF model in comparison to E-Tofts. In vivo results showed good agreement with literature values. Impact: The proposed model provides an analytical tool for absolute quantification of pulmonary perfusion and microvascular parameters in the lung and could enable improved patient care and treatment development in the setting of fibrotic lung disease.