Model selection in measures of vascular parameters using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI: experimental and clinical applications

A review of the selection of models in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is conducted, with emphasis on the balance between the bias and variance required to produce stable and accurate estimates of vascular parameters. The vascular parameters considered as a first-order model are the forward volume transfer constant K-trans, the plasma volume fraction v(p) and the interstitial volume fraction v(e). To illustrate the critical issues in model selection, a data-driven selection of models in an animal model of cerebral glioma is followed. Systematic errors and extended models are considered. Studies with nested and non-nested pharmacokinetic models are reviewed; models considering water exchange are considered. Copyright (C) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.