[Oxygen-enhanced functional MR lung imaging]

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Context:

• Current lung function diagnostics rely on global measurements or radioactive tracers, limiting regional analysis and exposing patients to radiation.
• Functional MRI (fMRI) offers a non-invasive alternative for assessing lung ventilation.
• Low-field MRI scanners present advantages like open design, reduced noise, easier patient access, and lower costs.

Purpose:

• To present oxygen-enhanced functional MRI as a tool for quantitative, regional lung ventilation assessment.
• To highlight the potential of low-field MRI scanners for functional lung imaging.
• To describe the application of T1 and T2(*) maps in healthy volunteers and patients using low-field MRI.

Summary:

• Oxygen-enhanced MRI enables quantitative, regional assessment of lung ventilation without radiation.
• Low-field, open-design MRI scanners enhance patient comfort and reduce costs for functional lung imaging.
• Quantitative T1 and T2(*) maps derived from low-field MRI show significant clinical potential for lung function analysis.

Impact:

• Provides a radiation-free, quantitative, and regional method for lung ventilation assessment.
• Enhances patient experience and accessibility in functional lung imaging through low-field MRI.
• Offers a promising alternative to current diagnostic tools with high clinical potential.