Improved accuracy and precision of tracer kinetic parameters by joint fitting to variable flip angle and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI data

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Abstract
Purpose: To improve the accuracy and precision of tracer kinetic model parameter estimates for use in dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI studies of solid tumors.Theory: Quantitative DCE‐MRI requires an estimate of precontrastT1, which is obtained prior to fitting a tracer kinetic model. AsT1mapping and tracer kinetic signal models are both a function of precontrastT1it was hypothesized that its joint estimation would improve the accuracy and precision of both precontrastT1and tracer kinetic model parameters.Methods: Accuracy and/or precision of two‐compartment exchange model (2CXM) parameters were evaluated for standard and joint fitting methods in well‐controlled synthetic data and for 36 bladder cancer patients. Methods were compared under a number of experimental conditions.Results: In synthetic data, joint estimation led to statistically significant improvements in the accuracy of estimated parameters in 30 of 42 conditions (improvements between 1.8% and 49%). Reduced accuracy was observed in 7 of the remaining 12 conditions. Significant improvements in precision were observed in 35 of 42 conditions (between 4.7% and 50%). In clinical data, significant improvements in precision were observed in 18 of 21 conditions (between 4.6% and 38%).Conclusion: Accuracy and precision of DCE‐MRI parameter estimates are improved when signal models are fit jointly rather than sequentially. Magn Reson Med 76:1270–1281, 2016.
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  • Christie Medical Physics and Engineering

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