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Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is a T1-weighted perfusion technique that evaluates microvascular permeability, extracellular leakage space, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity by tracking tissue signal enhancement during the passage of gadolinium contrast.

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• Unlike DSC-MRI (T2)*, which measures susceptibility-induced signal drop, DCE-MRI measures signal increase on T1 sequences after contrast.

Principle

• Gadolinium shortens T1 relaxation → hyperintense signal on T1 images.
• By continuously acquiring T1-weighted images during and after bolus injection, a time–intensity curve is generated.
• Pharmacokinetic modeling (Tofts model, extended Tofts, etc.) is applied to derive perfusion and permeability parameters.

Technique

• 3D T1-weighted spoiled GRE sequence (fast acquisition).
• Pre-contrast T1 mapping sometimes performed.
• Bolus injection of gadolinium (0.05–0.1 mmol/kg), followed by rapid sequential acquisitions for 5–10 min.
• Requires high temporal resolution (2–10 sec/frame).

Perfusion Parameters

1. K^trans (volume transfer constant, min⁻¹):

• Rate at which contrast moves from plasma → extracellular extravascular space (EES).
• Marker of capillary permeability and surface area.
• ↑ in high-grade tumors, inflammation.

2. v_e (extracellular extravascular volume fraction): Reflects size of EES