Calibration of R2' relaxation rate and hepatic iron concentration by Monte Carlo simulations

The R2' relaxation rate is expected to become a more specific biomarker in hepatic iron overload because it is not affected by pathological factors. However, calibrating the relationship between R2' relaxation rate and hepatic iron concentration (HIC) at different field strengths is time-consuming. In this work, we develop Monte Carlo simulations to investigate relationship between R2' relaxation rate and HIC in hepatic iron overload at both 1.5T and 3.0T. Results show strong linear relationships between R2' predictions and HIC. The Monte Carlo simulations may greatly shorten the clinical calibration time of MRI relaxation rates and HIC.