Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025
09:08
Author Spotlight: Standardization and Best Practices for Advancing Lung Imaging Using 129Xe MRI
Published on: November 21, 2023
1.1K
Xenon ventilation MRI in difficult asthma: initial experience in a clinical setting
Grace T Mussell1, Helen Marshall1, Laurie J Smith1
1POLARIS, Academic Radiology, Dept of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
ERJ Open Research
|September 30, 2021
Summary
Hyperpolarized gas MRI offers a new way to assess ventilation in severe asthma. This imaging technique, using 129Xe MRI, complements spirometry and aids in managing difficult asthma cases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Medical Imaging
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Hyperpolarized gas MRI is a validated method for assessing lung ventilation patterns.
- Previous research indicates a correlation between ventilation defect percent (VDP) derived from MRI and spirometry metrics (FEV1/FVC, FEV1) in asthma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of 129Xe ventilation MRI in severe asthma management.
- To investigate the relationship between 129Xe MRI metrics and standard clinical assessments, including spirometry, asthma control, and blood eosinophil counts.
Main Methods:
- 26 severe asthma patients underwent contemporaneous 129Xe MRI and spirometry.
- Ventilation defect percent (VDP) and ventilation heterogeneity index (VH(I)) were quantified.
- A subgroup of 18 patients had reversibility testing; all metrics compared to ACQ7 and eosinophil counts.
Main Results:
- VDP and VH(I) showed significant correlations with FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75%.
- No significant correlations were found between MRI metrics and Asthma Control Questionnaire 7 (ACQ7) or blood eosinophil counts.
- Discordance between MRI findings, symptoms, and spirometry prompted re-evaluation in some patients.
Conclusions:
- Hyperpolarized gas MRI serves as a valuable complementary tool for assessing patients with difficult-to-manage asthma.
- Discrepancies between MRI, symptoms, and spirometry highlight MRI's potential to refine asthma management pathways.
- 129Xe MRI offers unique insights into ventilation, aiding clinical decision-making in severe asthma services.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
2.7K
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
2.7K
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
260
Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
260