Functional lung imaging using novel and emerging MRI techniques

Chuan T Foo; David Langton; Bruce R Thompson; Francis Thien

doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1060940

Functional lung imaging using novel and emerging MRI techniques

Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Apr 25:10:1060940. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1060940. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Chuan T Foo^{1

2}, David Langton^{2

3}, Bruce R Thompson⁴, Francis Thien^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Respiratory Medicine, Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
² Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
³ Department of Thoracic Medicine, Peninsula Health, Frankston, VIC, Australia.
⁴ Melbourne School of Health Science, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Abstract

Respiratory diseases are leading causes of death and disability in the world. While early diagnosis is key, this has proven difficult due to the lack of sensitive and non-invasive tools. Computed tomography is regarded as the gold standard for structural lung imaging but lacks functional information and involves significant radiation exposure. Lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has historically been challenging due to its short T2 and low proton density. Hyperpolarised gas MRI is an emerging technique that is able to overcome these difficulties, permitting the functional and microstructural evaluation of the lung. Other novel imaging techniques such as fluorinated gas MRI, oxygen-enhanced MRI, Fourier decomposition MRI and phase-resolved functional lung imaging can also be used to interrogate lung function though they are currently at varying stages of development. This article provides a clinically focused review of these contrast and non-contrast MR imaging techniques and their current applications in lung disease.

Keywords: fluorinated gas; hyperpolarized gas; magnetic resonance imaging; oxygen-enhanced; perfusion; phased-resolved functional lung imaging; technique; ventilation heterogeneity.

Publication types

Review