Abstract
Background: Ventilation imaging can be performed with 19F-MRI of inhaled perfluoropropane (PFP), an inert gas that does not require hyperpolarization.
Aim: We tested the ability to concurrently assess lung perfusion by dynamic imaging of inhaled PFP, based on changes to its transverse relaxation (T2*) following intravenous paramagnetic contrast administration.
Methods: 4 healthy volunteers (3M, 1F; aged 24-34) were screened and provided written informed consent. All participants underwent a single MRI scan session on a 3T scanner using a 19F surface coil. Participants were instructed to perform 3 deep breaths of a 79% PFP/21% oxygen gas mixture followed by a breath-hold. A single dose of intravenous contrast agent (Gadobutrol, 0.2mmol/kg) was administered at the onset of breath-hold.
Results: Dynamic unlocalised spectroscopy performed in one participant showed a transient rise in PFP T2* following Gadobutrol administration (Figure 1a). Dynamic 2D acquisitions in the remaining three participants showed a corresponding rise in PFP signal intensity shortly after contrast administration (1b).
Conclusions: Dynamic 19F-MRI of inhaled PFP can reveal contrast passage through the lung vasculature, where elevated PFP T2* reflects the presence of contrast directly adjacent to inhaled gas. To our knowledge, this is the first in man demonstration of this effect, offering a novel approach to combined ventilation/perfusion assessment.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2019; 54: Suppl. 63, PA3160.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2019
