Yu Mi Jang MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Joon Beom Seo MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Namkug Kim MS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jae Woo Song MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yeon-Mok Oh, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the correlation of perfusion parameters of three-dimensional, contrast-enhanced MR imaging (3D CEMRI) with pulmonary function test (PFT) and quantitative CT parameters.

Eight patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and nine patients with solitary pulmonary nodule were included in our study. 3D CEMRI was performed with following protocols: TR/TE 2.7/0.6 ms; FA 40°; matrix 128 x 96 (reconstructed, 256 x 192); rectangular FOV: 450 x 315 mm; 10 coronal slaps covering whole lung; temporal resolution 1.0 s; 35 dynamic phases. From the signal intensity-time curves, pulmonary blood flow (PBF), mean transit time (MTT) and pulmonary blood volume (PBV) of each pixels were calculated. From volumetric CT data, the volume fraction of the lung below -950 HU (V950) and mean lung density (MLD) were assessed. Correlation between each perfusion parameter and the quantitative CT and PFT was assessed with Spearman correlation analysis and stepwise regression. The correspondence of the areas of emphysema at quantitative CT and 3D CEMRI was assessed qualitatively using a 4-scale visual scoring method.

The calculated PBF, MTT, and PBV in the entire lung were 104.66 ± 75.62 mL/100 mL/min (mean ± SD), 4.04 ± 0.74 sec, and 7.83 ± 5.54 mL/100mL, respectively. Spearman correlation test showed that the decrease in PBF and PBV correlated with the decrease in FEV1/FVC and increase in V950 (all test, p<0.05). Decrease in MTT correlated with decreased in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC (p<0.05). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that V950, DLCO and MLD were independent determinants of PBF; V950 was strongest independent determinants of PBV; and FEV1/FVC was strongest independent determinants of MTT (all test, p<0.05). The agreement of the maps rated as poor in 10.5%, moderate in 22.8%, good in 29.8% and very good in 36.8% of the patients.

The deterioration in perfusion parameters measured on MR in patients with COPD correlates strongly with the severity of impairment of ventilation function and parenchymal destruction.

Quantitative perfusion MR allows for the assessment of global and/or regional perfusion status of the lung.

Jang, Y, Seo, J, Kim, N, Song, J, Oh, Y, Quantitative Assessment of Global and Regional Perfusion with Contrast-enhanced MR in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: Correlation of Quantitative CT and Pulmonary Function Test.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5012099.html