Quantitative evaluation of perfusion and permeability of peripheral tumors using contrast-enhanced computed tomography

Rationale and Objectives: Our purpose was to validate contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT)-derived quantitative measures of perfusion and permeability against gold standard techniques of fluorescent microspheres and Evan's Blue dye, respectively. Materials and Methods: Normal and tumor-bearing (R3230AC) Fischer 344 rats were used. CECT perfusion measurements of normal and tumor tissue were compared with quantitative fluorescent microsphere perfusion measures. CECT permeability measurements from tumors were compared with semi quantitative Evan's Blue Dye permeability estimates. CT images were obtained precontrast and an imaging plane was selected. Serial, stationary images were obtained every 2 seconds for 2 minutes after intravenous bolus of iodinated contrast. Permeability and perfusion were measured by applying Patlak analysis to time-density data from normal tissue or tumor and femoral artery. Results: There was good correlation between fluorescent microsphere and CECT measurements of perfusion (r(2) = 0.681, P much less than 0.001) and between Evan's Blue Dye and CECT measurements of permeability (r(2) = 0.873, P = 0.0007). Conclusions: CECT provides useful, quantifiable measures of perfusion and permeability in peripheral tumors.