Validation framework for 4D perfusion computed tomography

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Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (DCE-CT) is a functional imaging tool that has been applied to various anatomical sites and shown to have diagnostic and prognostic value. The underlying process is the flow transport of intravenously administered iodinated contrast agent and the diffusion of these contrast molecules between the intra-vascular and extra-vascular space. Different tracer kinetics models for contrast material exchange have been developed to quantify physiological properties of the microcirculation. Despite the relative successes of DCE-CT, the reproducibility and reliable quantification of these parameters has been difficult. Some of the main reasons for this are the limited speed and coverage afforded by the detector design of modern CT scanners, simplistic tracer kinetics algorithms; and a limited knowledge of fundamental contrast exchange properties. The implementation of a novel CT scanner (Aquilion One, Toshiba) at our institution now provides a solution to the first issue with detector coverage of 160 mm at the isocentre within a single rotation of 0.35 sec. This proposal therefore aims to establish a phantom simulation framework in which to investigate and validate known tracer kinetics models. The goal is to design and manufacture realistic perfusion phantoms of the lungs, liver and cardiovascular system, using biopolymers and tissue preservation. This will include a theoretical simulation component in which the characteristics of fundamental capillary exchange properties in permeable media are investigated with computational fluid dynamics. In the long term it is hoped this will lead to the development of more accurate tracer kinetics models and improved contrast agents for DCE imaging to be able to measure in vivo physiology characteristics.