Measurement of in vivo T2* of inhaled perfluoropropane gas and its dependence on lung microstructure.

Motivation: The T2* of inhaled perfluoropropane gas is determined by lung microstructure due to its dependence on the magnetic susceptibility of airway and tissue components, granting the potential to report on lung pathophysiology. Goal(s): To implement a robust measurement of the T2* of inhaled perfluoropropane, to lead to early detection of structural alterations from lung pathologies. Approach: We’ve acquired spatially localized 19F-MRS T2* measurements of perfluoropropane in healthy volunteers at different inhalation depths. Results: We observed a 12% variation in T2* between maximum and minimum inhalation, demonstrating T2*’s sensitivity to physiological change, and potential for early detection of microstructural change associated with lung disease. Impact: A spatially localized measurement of perfluoropropane T2* has sensitivity to change in lung microstructure due to physiological change. These data show the potential of 19F-MRI to report on pathology-driven microstructural change, which may allow for early detection of lung disease.