Functional imaging: CT and MRI

Clin Chest Med. 2008 Mar;29(1):195-216, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2007.12.003.

Abstract

Numerous imaging techniques permit evaluation of regional pulmonary function. Contrast-enhanced CT methods now allow assessment of vasculature and lung perfusion. Techniques using spirometric controlled multi-detector row CT allow for quantification of presence and distribution of parenchymal and airway pathology; xenon gas can be employed to assess regional ventilation of the lungs, and rapid bolus injections of iodinated contrast agent can provide a quantitative measure of regional parenchymal perfusion. Advances in MRI of the lung include gadolinium-enhanced perfusion imaging and hyperpolarized gas imaging, which allow functional assessment, including ventilation/perfusion, microscopic air space measurements, and gas flow and transport dynamics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / instrumentation
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / instrumentation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*