Semi-automated analysis to reduce operator variability in oxygen extraction fraction using susceptometry-based oximetry

SvO2 and OEF were estimated via susceptometry-based oximetry (SBO). The impact of user-defined ROI was investigated in this study. The results show that (1) the consistency of SvO2 estimation depends on operators’ comprehension of MR-oximetry, (2) SvO2 might be under-estimated with manual ROI selection, and (3) the operator-induced bias can be eliminated by the semi-automatic analysis. The preliminary data indicate the feasibility of the constructed semi-automatic analysis for consistent estimation of SvO2 among operators and its potential for bulk analysis and clinical use.