Automatic In-line Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion Mapping: processing algorithm and implementation

Quantitative myocardial perfusion mapping has advantages over qualitative assessment, including the ability to detect global flow reduction. However, it is not clinically available and remains as a research tool. Building upon the previously described imaging sequence, this paper presents algorithm and implementation of an automated solution for inline perfusion flow mapping with step by step performance characterization. An inline perfusion flow mapping workflow is proposed and demonstrated on normal volunteers. Initial evaluation demonstrates the fully automated proposed solution for the respiratory motion correction, AIF LV mask detection and pixel-wise mapping, from free-breathing myocardial perfusion imaging.