Medical College of Wisconsin
CTSICores SearchResearch InformaticsREDCap

Practical guidance to identify and troubleshoot suboptimal DSC-MRI results. Front Radiol 2024;4:1307586

Date

03/06/2024

Pubmed ID

38445104

Pubmed Central ID

PMC10913595

DOI

10.3389/fradi.2024.1307586

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85186888913 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) derived from dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MR imaging (pMRI) has been shown to be a robust marker of neuroradiological tumor burden. Recent consensus recommendations in pMRI acquisition strategies have provided a pathway for pMRI inclusion in diverse patient care centers, regardless of size or experience. However, even with proper implementation and execution of the DSC-MRI protocol, issues will arise that many centers may not easily recognize or be aware of. Furthermore, missed pMRI issues are not always apparent in the resulting rCBV images, potentiating inaccurate or missed radiological diagnoses. Therefore, we gathered from our database of DSC-MRI datasets, true-to-life examples showcasing the breakdowns in acquisition, postprocessing, and interpretation, along with appropriate mitigation strategies when possible. The pMRI issues addressed include those related to image acquisition and postprocessing with a focus on contrast agent administration, timing, and rate, signal-to-noise quality, and susceptibility artifact. The goal of this work is to provide guidance to minimize and recognize pMRI issues to ensure that only quality data is interpreted.

Author List

Prah MA, Schmainda KM

Author

Kathleen M. Schmainda PhD Professor in the Biophysics department at Medical College of Wisconsin