Faculty Collaboration Database

Emphysema: hyperpolarized helium 3 diffusion MR imaging of the lungs compared with spirometric indexes--initial experience. Radiology 2002 Jan;222(1):252-60

Date

01/05/2002

Pubmed ID

11756734

DOI

10.1148/radiol.2221001834

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0036136992 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   282 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To quantitatively evaluate hyperpolarized helium 3 ((3)He) diffusion magnetic resonance (MR) images of the lung in patients with emphysema and to determine whether apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) measured with MR imaging correlate with spirometric indexes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hyperpolarized (3)He diffusion MR imaging was performed in 16 healthy volunteers and 11 patients. Coronal diffusion-sensitized MR images were obtained during suspended respiration after inhalation of laser-polarized (3)He gas, and images of the ADC were calculated. Spirometry was performed immediately before imaging. The mean and SD of the ADCs were compared between subject groups and were correlated with spirometric indexes.

RESULTS: ADC images were homogeneous in volunteers, but demonstrated regional variations in patients. The mean and SD of the ADCs for patients were significantly larger (P <.002) than those for volunteers. The mean ADCs for all subjects correlated with the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second, or FEV(1), (r = -0.797, P <.001) and the ratio of FEV(1) to forced vital capacity, or FVC, (r = -0.930, P <.001). ADC images in patients demonstrated a significant increase (P <.001) in the ADCs in the upper regions compared with the lower regions of the lung.

CONCLUSION: Hyperpolarized (3)He diffusion MR imaging demonstrated potential for use in evaluating the global and regional severity of emphysema.

Author List

Salerno M, de Lange EE, Altes TA, Truwit JD, Brookeman JR, Mugler JP 3rd

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Diffusion
Female
Helium
Humans
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Emphysema
Regression Analysis
Spirometry