Perfusion imaging by magnetic resonance

Abstract

Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT imaging techniques (perfusion CT) enable clinicians to evaluate the functional blood supply to a tissue of interest or organ. From the subsequent changes in enhancement following intravenous administration of an iodinated contrast agent, qualitative and quantitative parameters may be assessed that describe the enhancement time curves obtained or quantify regional perfusion, blood volume and microcirculatory changes, respectively. These parameters may provide prognostic or predictive information to the clinician and enable treatment effects on the vasculature to be assessed. Its clinical use has increased in recent years due to a combination of factors: technological advances in acquisition and post-processing methods that have facilitated its clinical implementation and a perceived clinical need, related to the use of therapeutic interventions in ischemic vascular disease and oncology. This chapter discusses the principles of perfusion CT techniques, clinical protocols and clinical application in oncology.