Analysis Protocol for Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) MRI of Renal Perfusion and Filtration.

Abstract

Here we present an analysis protocol for dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) data of the kidneys. It covers comprehensive steps to facilitate signal to contrast agent concentration mapping via T1 mapping and the calculation of renal perfusion and filtration parametric maps using model-free approaches, model free analysis using deconvolution, the Toft s model and a Bayesian approach.This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This analysis protocol chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concept and experimental procedure.