Effect of sample numbers on the kinetic data analysis of MR contrast agents.
The Monte Carlo simulation method is used to determine the uncertainties of the estimated are and mean transit time (MTT) of a regional cerebral concentration-time curve of a bolus injected paramagnetic contrast agent. Many factors contribute to these uncertainties. This study concentrates on the error propagation from the sample noise at different sample time points along the concentration-time curve. The uncertainties of area and MTT were determined as a function of the sample noise and the number of sample time points. For example, the percentage standard deviations (uncertainties) of both area and MTT are less than 12% with five samples whose signal-to-noise ratios are greater than 50.
Department of Radiology, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York 11030.
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Monahan
D015982:Bias; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007700:Kinetics; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media