Imaging for lung physiology: what do we wish we could measure?

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Physiology

Background:

• The application of imaging techniques in lung physiology research is rapidly expanding.
• Understanding lung physiology is crucial for diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify unresolved issues in lung physiology amenable to current or emerging imaging methods.
• To guide the development of new imaging approaches for physiological research.

Main Methods:

• Review of current and developing imaging technologies.
• Discussion of the importance of spatial and temporal resolution in imaging.
• Emphasis on quantitative measurements of physiological parameters.

Main Results:

• Imaging's potential in lung physiology is significant, contingent on technical improvements.
• Need for imaging methods that provide reliable, quantitative physiological data.
• Identification of specific research questions addressable by advanced imaging.

Conclusions:

• Physiologists should consider how imaging can advance their research.
• Physical scientists should develop imaging methods to tackle challenging physiological questions.
• Enhanced imaging capabilities will drive new discoveries in lung physiology.