Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast MR Perfusion Imaging Of Brain Tumors

Dynamic susceptibility contrast MR perfusion imaging ofbrain tumorsPart I Technological strategies of the dynamic susceptibility contrastMR perfusion imagingPurpose: To study the dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MR perfusion technological strategies in clinical use and find the optimum choices of sequence, the use of contrast agent and postprocessing . Materials and Methods: Thirty-five brain tumor patients and 25 normal people(without intro-skull disease but need enhancement) were undergone DSC MR imaging after a routine MR scanning in a 1. 5T clinical MR scanner (GE Medical System, USA). GD-DTPA were used as contrast agent; different doses and injection methods were studied; SE EPI .. GE EPI sequences were used in perfusion examinations. After perfusion examination, routine enhanced T1WI MR imaging with exact copy of perfusion slice selection was performed in every patient for image fusion and post-processing. All row data were transfered to and handled with on-line working station afterward. For statistical analysis, t test was used and p<0. 05 showed a significant defference. Results: All cases got functional rCBV, rCBF, MTT and TTP images and time-signal curves; SOcases with bolus injection of GD-DTPA in middle elbow vein(time<5s) and fat suppressed GE EPI sequence(TR/TE=1800/40, FA=60 )got ideal function images and curves, 30cases undergoing SE EPI and GE EPI sequence (TR/TE=1800/20, FA=30 ) got function images and curves not as perfect as above cases. No significant statistic difference (p>0. 05)with different tracer doses(10ml and 20ml). The other 5 cases injected in superficial wrist veins and femur vein got irregular curves and deformed function images. Conclusion: Bolus injection of GD-DTPA in middle elbow vein(time<5s) and fat suppressed GE EPI sequence(TR=1800ms, TE=40ms, FA=60 )is most favorable for brain perfusion studies. Correct use of DSC MR perfusion technological strategies while examine patients with brain disorders can fulfill research work and clinical needs.