Sensitivity of quantitative myocardial dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to saturation pulse efficiency, noise and t1 measurement error: Comparison of nonlinearity correction methods

PurposeTo compare methods designed to minimize or correct signal nonlinearity in quantitative myocardial dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. MethodsDCE-MRI studies were simulated and data acquired in eight volunteers. Signal nonlinearity was corrected using either a dual-bolus approach or model-based correction using proton-density weighted imaging (conventional or dual-sequence acquisition) or T-1 data (native or bookend). Scanning of healthy and infarcted myocardium at 3 T was simulated, including noise, saturation imperfection and T-1 measurement error. Data were analyzed using model-based deconvolution with a one-compartment (mono-exponential) model. ResultsSubstantial variation between methods was demonstrated in volunteers. In simulations the dual-bolus method proved stable for realistic levels of saturation efficiency but demonstrated bias due to residual nonlinearity. Model-based methods performed ideally in the absence of confounding error sources and were generally robust to noise or saturation imperfection, except for native T-1 based correction which was highly sensitive to the latter. All methods demonstrated large variation in accuracy above an over-saturation level where baseline signal was nulled. For the dual-sequence approach this caused substantial bias at the saturation efficiencies observed in volunteers. ConclusionThe choice of nonlinearity correction method in myocardial DCE-MRI impacts on accuracy and precision of estimated parameters, particularly in the presence of nonideal saturation. Magn Reson Med 75:1290-1300, 2016. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.