Improved perfusion and tracer kinetic imaging using parallel imaging.

Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI is a valuable method to get functional information of the microvessel system. This article will describe the improvement in perfusion and tracer kinetic imaging by using parallel imaging techniques. The basic principles of kinetic analysis, the contrast mechanisms used and the scan techniques applied are addressed to give a better understanding of the influence of parallel imaging on dynamic contrast enhanced MRI. The effect of different parallel imaging techniques on scan efficiency and scan planning is part of the discussion. From the clinical applications shown, it can be concluded that parallel imaging is a very important contribution for improved dynamic contrast enhanced imaging.