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Published on: January 16, 2015
Early emphysematous changes in asymptomatic smokers: detection with 3He MR imaging
Sean B Fain1, Shilpa R Panth, Michael D Evans
1Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, J3/110 CSC Medical Physics, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792, USA. sfain@wisc.edu
Radiology
|May 23, 2006
Summary
Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements from hyperpolarized helium 3 (3He) MRI correlate significantly with pulmonary function tests, particularly diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco), in smokers. This suggests 3He MRI may aid in early emphysema detection.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Early detection of smoking-induced lung damage is crucial for timely intervention.
- Traditional pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and CT scans have limitations in assessing early emphysema.
- Hyperpolarized helium 3 (3He) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers a novel approach to lung imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements from 3He MR imaging.
- To correlate ADC values with spirometric tests and thin-section CT findings in asymptomatic smokers and healthy nonsmokers.
- To evaluate the utility of 3He MRI in detecting early signs of emphysema.
Main Methods:
- 11 asymptomatic smokers and 8 healthy nonsmokers underwent ventilation and diffusion-weighted 3He MR imaging.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated and compared with spirometric data (including Dlco, FEV1/FVC ratio) and CT emphysema index (RA950).
- Statistical analyses included Spearman rank correlation and multiple linear regression to assess relationships between imaging and functional parameters.
Main Results:
- Mean ADC values showed a significant positive correlation with pack-years (rs=0.60, P=.007), which persisted after age adjustment (P=.003).
- Significant negative correlations were found between mean ADC values and percentage predicted Dlco (rs=-0.79, P<.001) and the FEV1/FVC ratio (rs=-0.72, P=.001).
- Dlco was strongly correlated with pack-years (rs=-0.63, P=.004), while spirometric values and RA950 did not significantly correlate with pack-years.
Conclusions:
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements derived from 3He MR imaging demonstrate significant correlations with key pulmonary function test results, especially Dlco.
- These findings suggest that 3He MR imaging, through ADC measurements, holds promise for the early diagnosis and assessment of emphysema in smokers.
- 3He MRI may serve as a valuable tool to complement traditional methods in evaluating lung health in at-risk populations.
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