Arterial input functions for dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI: requirements and signal options.

Cerebral perfusion imaging using dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) has been the subject of considerable research and shows promise for basic science and clinical use. In DSC, the MRI signals in brain tissue and feeding arteries are monitored dynamically in response to a bolus injection of paramagnetic agents, such as gadolinium (Gd) chelates. DSC has the potential to allow quantitative imaging of parameters such as cerebral blood flow (CBF) with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in a short scan time; however, quantitation depends critically on accurate and precise measurement of the arterial input function (AIF).