Four-dimensional dynamic ultrashort echo time MRI for functional imaging in chronic lung diseases: A preliminary study

Motivation: MRI-related techniques have been employed in COPD to enable visualization of pulmonary ventilation. However, the performance of 4D dynamic ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging (UTE MRI) for pulmonary ventilation is still unknown in COPD and PRISm populations. Goal(s): The visualization and quantification of pulmonary ventilation using dynamic UTE MRI in COPD and PRISm populations. Approach: 71 participants were enrolled in this study, pulmonary function tests, paired inspiratory and expiratory chest CT, dynamic UTE MRI were performed. Ventilation defect percentage was calculated to visualize pulmonary ventilation. Results: A significant difference was found in VDP between participants with COPD, PRISm versus healthy control participants. Impact: The pulmonary dynamic UTE MRI allowed for exhibiting ventilation inhomogeneity within free breathing in patients with COPD and PRISm.