A Model-Based Reconstruction Technique for Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Purpose: To reduce saturation effects in the arterial input function (AIF) estimation of quantitative myocardial first-pass saturation recovery perfusion imaging by employing a model-based reconstruction. Theory and Methods: Imaging was performed with a saturation recovery prepared radial FLASH sequence. A model-based reconstruction was applied for reconstruction. By exploiting prior knowledge about the relaxation process, an image series with different saturation recovery times was reconstructed. By evaluating images with an effective saturation time of approximately 3 ms, saturation effects in the AIF determination were reduced. In a volunteer study, this approach was compared with a standard prebolus technique. Results: In comparison to the low-dose injection of a prebolus acquisition, saturation effects were further reduced in the AIFs determined using the model-based approach. These effects, which were clearly visible for all six volunteers, were reflected in a statistically significant difference of up to 20% in the absolute perfusion values. Conclusion: The application of model-based reconstruction algorithms in quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging promises a significant improvement of the AIF determination. In addition to greatly reducing saturation effects that occur even for the prebolus methods, only a single bolus has to be applied. (C) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.