Abstract #2187

Kerwin W, Yarnykh V, Yuan C

A novel mechanism of contrast agent kinetics in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI is explored. Contrast agent uptake is assumed to occur by diffusion from a high concentration pool into a poorly perfused substrate adjacent to the pool. Observation of depth of penetration versus time yields an effective diffusion coefficient describing the uptake. In vivo experiments show that this model is consistent with contrast agent uptake at the luminal surface of carotid atherosclerotic plaques