Perfusion Analysis

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The perfusion module can be used to obtain qualitative as well as (semi-) quantitative perfusion maps based on the dynamic (first-pass) effect of a contrast agent (CA). The perfusion module assumes that the input data describes a well-defined and transient signal response following rapid administration of a contrast agent. Analysis can be performed using a variety of different techniques. In particular, the following features are included:

· Perfusion analysis of both positive and negative first-pass effects:

• Positive first-pass effect describes the situation where the CA causes a transient increase in the signal intensity in the image. This is the case in CT-perfusion and T1-weighted perfusion in MRI (also referred to as dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) imaging). 
• Negative first-pass effect describes the situation where the CA leads to a transient decrease in the signal intensity. This is the case in T2- or T2*-weighted MR perfusion imaging. In negative perfusion analysis, the signal change is first converted to relative CA concentration and the resulting concentration time-curve is used for further analysis. This mode of analysis is commonly referred to as dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) imaging.

· Optional correction for measured arterial input function (AIF) (deconvolution) using different state-of-the-art deconvolution techniques. 

• Manual or automatic detection of AIF.
• Correction for contrast agent leakage to extravascular space through the estimation of a leakage parameter (Ktrans)

Subtopics in this section

Perfusion analysis: step by step

Starting the perfusion analysis
Perfusion Settings

Advanced Perfusion Settings