Myocardial blood flow at rest and stress measured with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI: Comparison of a distributed parameter model with a fermi function model

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of simultaneously measuring blood flow (Fb), Gd-DTPA extraction fraction (E), and distribution volume (vd) in healthy myocardium at rest and under adenosine stress using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.<p></p> Methods: Sixteen volunteers were examined at 1.5 T and 11 returned for a repeat study. The data were analyzed using a distributed parameter (DP) 2-region model to arrive at estimates of Fb, E, blood volume, and interstitial volume. For comparison, estimates of Fb were also obtained using a Fermi function model.<p></p> Results DP model fits were successful in 49 of the 54 data sets. Estimates obtained using DP and Fermi models did not differ for either rest Fb or myocardial perfusion reserve though DP estimates of stress Fb were lower than Fermi estimates. The repeatability of the DP parameters Fb, E, and vd was better than or equal to the repeatability of Fermi-Fb. E at rest and under stress was estimated to be 66% and 57%, respectively. Conclusion The results suggest that characteristics of the microvasculature of healthy myocardium can be reliably determined using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI at rest and under stress and that delivery of Gd-DTPA to the myocardium is not flow-limite