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Updated: Mar 5, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quantification of Pulmonary Perfusion using Calibrated Arterial Spin Labeling
Published on: May 30, 2011
Pulmonary MR angiography and perfusion imaging-A review of methods and applications
Christopher S Johns1, Andrew J Swift1, Paul J C Hughes1
1University of Sheffield, UK.
Abstract:
The pulmonary vasculature and its role in perfusion and gas exchange is an important consideration in many conditions of the lung and heart. Currently the mainstay of imaging of the vasculature and perfusion of the lungs lies with CT and nuclear medicine perfusion scans, both of which require ionizing radiation exposure. Improvements in MRI techniques have increased the use of MRI in pulmonary vascular imaging. Here we review MRI methods for imaging the pulmonary vasculature and pulmonary perfusion, both using contrast enhanced and non-contrast enhanced methodology. In many centres pulmonary MR angiography and dynamic contrast enhanced perfusion MRI are now well established in the routine workflow of patients particularly with pulmonary hypertension and thromboembolic disease. However, these imaging modalities offer exciting new directions for future research and clinical use in other respiratory diseases where consideration of pulmonary perfusion and gas exchange can provide insight in to pathophysiology.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers advanced methods for visualizing lung vasculature and perfusion without ionizing radiation. This review covers MRI techniques for pulmonary imaging, highlighting their clinical use and future potential in respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary vasculature and its role in perfusion and gas exchange are critical in lung and heart conditions.
- Current imaging methods like CT and nuclear scans use ionizing radiation.
- Advancements in MRI are enhancing its utility in pulmonary vascular imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review MRI methods for imaging the pulmonary vasculature and perfusion.
- To discuss both contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced MRI techniques.
- To explore the clinical applications and future directions of MRI in respiratory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MRI techniques for pulmonary imaging.
- Discussion of contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced MRI methodologies.
- Analysis of current clinical workflows incorporating pulmonary MRI.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary MR angiography and dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI are established in clinical practice for pulmonary hypertension and thromboembolic disease.
- MRI provides a radiation-free alternative for assessing pulmonary vasculature and perfusion.
- These techniques offer insights into pathophysiology for various respiratory conditions.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a valuable tool for pulmonary vascular and perfusion imaging.
- Established MRI protocols are used for specific patient groups.
- Future research can expand MRI's role in diagnosing and understanding respiratory diseases.
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