Evaluation of regional pulmonary perfusion using ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging

An ultrafast MR sequence was used to measure changes in signal intensity during the first pass of intravascular contrast through the pulmonary circulation. From this, mean transit time, relative blood volume, and relative blood flow were calculated. Data were collected in an isogravitational plane in six healthy subjects. A slight but significant gradient in transit time was present, with faster times at the lung apex. A significant decrease in blood volume, compared with the lung base, was also seen in the apex. Significant decreases in blood volume and blood flow, compared with central portions of the lung, were seen in the lung periphery. Six additional subjects were imaged along a gravitational plane. A significant gradient in transit time was seen, with faster transit in dependent regions of the lung. MRI is able to evaluate regional differences in pulmonary perfusion with high spatial and temporal resolution. Magn Reson Med 46:166-171, 2001.