title: On the precision of diffusion/perfusion imaging by gradient sensitization.
abstract: Computer simulation is used to assess the precision and accuracy of diffusion and perfusion parameters derived from a set of gradient-sensitized images. Under ideal experimental conditions, a moderate signal-to-noise level (ca. 40) suffices to estimate diffusion coefficients to within 20% relative precision. However, estimation of a typical cerebral perfusion fraction of 5% to within 20% relative precision requires signal-to-noise levels of ca. 400. Simulations also show that systematic errors in perfusion fraction estimation, as well as underestimation of the uncertainties in perfusion parameters (by chi-squared analysis), will be found at moderate signal-to-noise levels.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering and Instrumentation Program, National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pekar
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Moonen
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: van Zijl
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004058:Diffusion; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology*; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D010477:Perfusion