Perfusion and Permeability Imaging for Head and Neck Cancer: Theory, Acquisition, Postprocessing, and Relevance to Clinical Imaging

Abstract

Perfusion and permeability computed tomography and MR imaging applied to head and neck cancer provide powerful diagnostic and prognostic tools for clinicians. Understanding the basics of these techniques allows the radiologist to make informed decisions regarding the use of modeling algorithms, acquisition parameters, and postprocessing techniques. This helps to ensure that studies are acquired, analyzed, and reported appropriately and erroneous results are avoided. These techniques are highly automated, widely available, and can be easily and safely incorporated into daily imaging workflow.

Keywords: CT; Head and neck cancer; MR imaging; Perfusion; Permeability.