Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI of Neuroendocrine Hepatic Metastases: A Feasibility Study Using a Dual-Input Two-Compartment Model

Neuroendocrine hepatic metastases exhibit various contrast uptake enhancement patterns in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Using a dual-input two-compartment distributed parameter model, we analyzed the dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI datasets of seven patient study cases with the aim to relate the tumor contrast uptake patterns to parameters of tumor microvasculature. Simulation studies were also performed to provide further insights into the effects of individual microcirculatory parameter on the tumor concentration-time curves. Although the tumor contrast uptake patterns can be influenced by many parameters, initial results indicate that hepatic blood flow and the ratio of fractional vascular volume to fractional interstitial volume may potentially distinguish between the patterns of neuroendocrine hepatic metastases. Magn Reson Med 65: 250-260, 2011. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.