The derivation of the gamma-variate relationship for tracer dilution curves.

Tracer dilution curves are useful for describing blood flow through vessels and organs. Empirically determined curves for flow through nonbranching vessels have been shown to correspond to a mathematical function called the gamma variate. This paper presents a derivation of the gamma-variate relationship, discusses some of the properties of the gamma variate and its use in problems involving organ blood flow and recirculation.