Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Phase-Resolved Functional Lung MRI for Pulmonary Ventilation and Perfusion (V/Q) Assessment
Published on: August 9, 2024
Quantitative lung perfusion in pulmonary vascular diseases: a comparative study of phase-resolved functional lung MRI
Anqi Liu1, Pulong He2, Jie Du1
1Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China.
Purpose:
To evaluate the quantitative performance of Phase-Resolved Functional Lung Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PREFUL-MRI) versus ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and compare their correlations with invasive hemodynamics in pulmonary vascular diseases (PVDs).
Methods:
This study retrospectively included adult PVD patients who underwent PREFUL-MRI on a 1.5 Tesla MRI and V/Q SPECT within three days from a prospective PVD cohort. Quantitative perfusion parameters including PREFUL-derived perfusion defect percentage (QDPexclusive) and SPECT-derived quantitative pulmonary perfusion defect percentage scores (QPPDs) were compared between groups (with and without pulmonary hypertension [PH]), assessed for inter-method agreement, and correlated with hemodynamic parameters from right heart catheterization.
Results:
A total of 76 adult patients (41 female; median age, 53 years) were included (52 with PH and 24 without PH). Both modalities differentiated PH from non-PH patients significantly (QPPDs: 30.6% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.001; QDPexclusive: 38.4% vs. 14.1%, p < 0.001). QDPexclusive showed moderate correlation with QPPDs (r = 0.430, p < 0.001) and negligible mean bias (-2.97%). Notably, QDPexclusive exhibited stronger correlations with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (r = 0.553) and pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.595; both p < 0.01) than QPPDs (r = 0.298 and 0.301, both p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
PREFUL-MRI is a valid, radiation-free functional imaging method for assessing perfusion defects in PVDs. The stronger correlation with hemodynamics indicates that PREFUL-MRI provides enhanced physiological insight and may be more suitable for monitoring disease severity in patients with PVDs.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
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...
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...