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Partially parallel three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of lung perfusion--initial results
Christian Fink1, Michael Bock, Michael Puderbach
1Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Innovative Krebsdiagnostik und Therapie, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. c.fink@dkfz.de
Rationale:
Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of lung perfusion requires a high spatial and temporal resolution. Partially parallel MRI offers an improved spatial and temporal resolution.
Objective:
To assess the feasibility of partially parallel MRI for the assessment of lung perfusion.
Methods:
Two healthy volunteers and 14 patients were examined with a contrast-enhanced 3D gradient-echo pulse sequence with partially parallel image acquisitions (TE/TR/alpha: 0.8/1.9 milliseconds/40 degrees; voxel size 3.6 x 2.0 x 5.0 mm3, TA: 1.5 seconds). The image analysis included an analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio in the lungs in areas with normal and impaired perfusion. 3D MR perfusion image data were analyzed for perfusion defects and compared with radionuclide perfusion scans, which were available for 10 of 14 patients.
Results:
The analysis of the 3D perfusion-weighted data allowed a clear differentiation of perfusion abnormalities: MRI showed normal lung perfusion in 9 of 16 cases, whereas perfusion abnormalities were observed in 7 cases. When compared with the radionuclide perfusion scans, a good intermodality agreement was shown (kappa = 0.74). When compared with normally perfused lung a significantly lower signal to noise ratio was observed in hypoperfused lung (7 versus 17; P = 0.02).
Conclusion:
Partially parallel MRI might be used for the assessment of lung perfusion. Future studies are required to further evaluate the diagnostic impact of this technique.
Insights
Partially parallel MRI shows promise for assessing lung perfusion, offering improved resolution. This technique effectively differentiated perfusion abnormalities and showed good agreement with radionuclide scans.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Contrast-enhanced MRI for lung perfusion demands high spatial and temporal resolution.
- Partially parallel MRI techniques enhance both spatial and temporal resolution for improved imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using partially parallel MRI for assessing lung perfusion.
- To determine if partially parallel MRI can accurately detect perfusion abnormalities in the lungs.
Main Methods:
- A contrast-enhanced 3D gradient-echo sequence with partially parallel imaging was used in 16 participants (2 volunteers, 14 patients).
- Image analysis focused on signal-to-noise ratio in normal and impaired perfusion areas.
- Results were compared with available radionuclide perfusion scans for accuracy.
Main Results:
- Partially parallel MRI successfully differentiated perfusion abnormalities, identifying normal perfusion in 9 cases and abnormalities in 7.
- The technique demonstrated good agreement with radionuclide perfusion scans (kappa = 0.74).
- Hypoperfused lung areas showed a significantly lower signal-to-noise ratio compared to normally perfused areas (P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
- Partially parallel MRI is a feasible technique for lung perfusion assessment.
- Further research is needed to fully establish the diagnostic value of this MRI technique.