Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of carotid atherosclerotic plaque: model selection, reproducibility, and validation

The Patlak model is more suitable than the Tofts, extended Tofts, and extended graphical models for describing the presented dynamic contrast material-enhanced MR imaging data of atherosclerotic plaques in a clinical setting, and the parameter Ktrans provides valuable information about the plaque microvasculature and can be reproducibly determined.