This thesis aims to evaluate the utility of dynamic contrast enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) imaging in conjunction with kinetic analysis (CT Perfusion) for the investigation of fibrotic liver disease. Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analysis of the kinetic model were used to characterize the bias, variance and covariance of perfusion parameters calculated with CT Perfusion. DCE-CT scans were performed on rats treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) for 8 weeks to induce liver fibrosis, as well as sham injected control rats. Perfusion parameters were then derived from the DCE-CT scans using CT Perfusion. CCI4 treated rats showed significant changes in total hepatic blood flow, arterial hepatic blood flow, blood volume, and arterial fraction of blood flow. Histological samples were collected at various stages of treatment and stained with methyl blue. Digital image analysis was used to quantify fibrosis content of stained tissue. A strong correlation was found between fibrosis content and arterial fraction of blood flow (r=.82 p\u3c.00001)
