Sequential dynamic gadolinium magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging: effects on transit time and cerebral blood volume measurements

Purpose: To evaluate if two gadolinium perfusion studies can be performed during the same table occupancy without degradation of the derived data in the second study. Material and Methods: Magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion studies of the whole brain were performed on 12 patients during the administration of two gadolinium boluses separated by 8 min. In six patients, gadolinium was given as two 20-ml administrations of standard 0.5 M chelate (Magnevist), whilst the other six patients received two 10-ml administrations of 1.0 M chelate (Gadovist). Results: There were no significant differences in subjective quality between the time–intensity curves of the first and second perfusion studies using either the 0.5 M or 1.0 M gadolinium chelate. The objective measurements in quality of the time–intensity curves (maximum signal change and full width at half maximum) changed by less than 5% of the original values on the second perfusion study. The first-moment mean transit times did not change significantly on the sequential studies. The regional cerebral blood volume tended to increase on the second study (by 15% on average), but this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: The results from two sequential dynamic gadolinium-based perfusion studies can be compared in a meaningful manner using the technique described.