Blind deconvolution estimation of an arterial input function for small animal DCE-MRI

Abstract Purpose One of the main obstacles for reliable quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI is the need for accurate knowledge of the arterial input function (AIF). This is a special challenge for preclinical small animal applications where it is very difficult to measure the AIF. avoiding partial volume and flow artifacts. Furthermore, using advanced pharmacokinetic models (allowing estimation of blood flow and permeability-surface area product in addition to the classical perfusion parameters) poses stricter requirements on the accuracy and precision of AIF estimation. This paper addresses small animal DCE-MRI with advanced pharmacokinetic models and presents a method for estimation of the AIF based on blind deconvolution. Methods A parametric AIF model designed for small animal physiology and use of advanced pharmacokinetic models is proposed. The parameters of the AIF are estimated using multichannel blind deconvolution. Results Evaluation on simulated data show that for realistic signal to noise ratios blind deconvolution AIF estimation leads to comparable results as the use of the true AIF. Evaluation on real data based on DCE-MRI with two contrast agents of different molecular weights showed a consistence with the known effects of the molecular weight. Conclusion Multi-channel blind deconvolution using the proposed AIF model specific for small animal DCE-MRI provides reliable perfusion parameter estimates under realistic signal to noise conditions.