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In vivo diffusion-weighted MRI using perfluorinated gases: ADC comparison between healthy and elastase-treated rat
L Carrero-González1, T Kaulisch, D Stiller
1Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Target Discovery Research, in-vivo imaging laboratory, Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|February 16, 2013
Summary
Diffusion imaging of rat lungs using hexafluorobutane (C2F6) revealed distinct diffusion patterns in healthy versus emphysematous tissue. This MRI technique is sensitive to lung microstructure changes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary imaging
- Medical physics
- Respiratory research
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers an alternative to hyperpolarized gases for lung imaging.
- Perfluorinated gases like C2F6 can assess lung microstructure and gas diffusivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify diffusion restriction of C2F6 in rat lungs using MRI.
- To compare C2F6 diffusion levels between healthy and emphysematous lung tissues.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of rats were studied: healthy and those with induced emphysema.
- Ventilation with a C2F6 and oxygen mixture.
- Acquisition of four diffusion-weighted 19F-MRI images per animal and calculation of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) maps.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in ADC were observed in healthy rat lungs.
- Emphysematous lungs exhibited a significant increase in ADC values.
Conclusions:
- ADC measurements using C2F6 are sensitive to alterations in lung microstructure.
- C2F6 diffusion is restricted differently in healthy compared to emphysematous lung tissue, indicating potential for disease characterization.
