Displaying perfusion MRI images as color intensity projections

TL;DR

This paper introduces color intensity projections (CIPs) as a new visualization method for perfusion MRI data, simplifying display and interpretation by integrating perfusion information with anatomical images.

Contribution

The paper presents CIPs as a quick, intuitive visualization technique that enhances perfusion MRI analysis by combining perfusion data with anatomical structures.

Findings

CIPs provide an intuitive display of perfusion data.

CIPs are quick to compute and easy to integrate.

CIPs improve interpretation of perfusion MRI images.

Abstract

Dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast-enhanced (DSC) MRI or perfusion-MRI plays an important role in the non-invasive assessment of tumor vascularity. However, the large number of images provided by the method makes display and interpretation of the results challenging. Current practice is to display the perfusion information as relative cerebral blood volume maps (rCBV). Color intensity projections (CIPs) provides a simple, intuitive display of the perfusion-MRI data so that regional perfusion characteristics are intrinsically integrated into the anatomy structure the T2 images. The ease of use and quick calculation time of CIPs should allow it to be easily integrated into current analysis and interpretation pipelines.