Mucus Detection and Quantification in the Lung Using UTE-DESS: A Phantom Study

Motivation: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is driven by excessive mucus that impairs lung function and accelerates disease progression. Improved visualization of mucus dynamics is crucial for better diagnosis and treatment. Goal(s): This phantom study aims to utilize UTE MRI, specifically the UTE-DESS technique, to visualize and quantify mucus properties, potentially providing insights into disease progression and management. Approach: Synthetic mucus samples were imaged with UTE-DESS MRI, analyzing T1, T2, and diffusivity values to assess the feasibility of this method for mucus quantification. Results: T2 values showed significant correlation with mucus concentrations, demonstrating UTE-DESS potential to offer detailed assessments of mucus properties. Impact: This study demonstrates the potential of UTE-DESS MRI to quantify mucus in the phantom model, offering a novel imaging approach that could enhance disease monitoring, assess therapeutic responses, and improve understanding of mucus-related dynamics in chronic respiratory conditions.