Quantitative Evaluation of Dynamic Ventilation Function with High Spatiotemporal 129Xe MRI

Motivation: High spatiotemporal resolution dynamic ventilation imaging with hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI can well-depict the airflow process in the lung during the respiratory. However, there is a lack of quantitative assessment methods that correlate dynamic ventilation images with pulmonary physiology. Goal(s): We aimed to translate the dynamic ventilation images into quantitative parameters that could assess the ventilation function. Approach: The signal-time curve was used to explain the airflow rate and optical flow method was utilized to generate airflow field for each frame to depict the orientation and magnitude. Results: Gas distribution and airflow process could be quantified through dynamic ventilation images. Impact: Regional dynamic ventilation function was quantified using signal-time curves and optical flow methods in vivo, and these preliminary results might be helpful for assessing the lung pathological changes that related to airflow restriction, obstruction, or air trapping.