Sebastian Ley MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Ulrich Puderbach MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Frank Risse PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Julia Zaporozhan MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hans-Ulrich Kauczor MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Bock PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Monika Eichinger MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Daisuke Takenaka MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

In dyspnoic patients oxygen supply is sometimes needed during MRI studies of the chest. Oxygen enhanced MR-Ventilation imaging of the lung is based on the inhalation of oxygen. However, the potential effects of oxygen on the pulmonary circulation are unclear. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of oxygen onto pulmonary perfusion.

10 healthy volunteers were examined (1.5T) with contrast enhanced 2D saturation-recovery Turboflash perfusion of the lung parenchyma and phase-contrast flow measurements in the pulmonary trunc. Both measurements were performed breathing room air (RA) and 100% oxygen (O2).

The perfusion measurements showed a significant difference between RA and O2 for the pulmonary blood flow (181 vs. 257 ml/min/100ml, p = 0.02) and blood volume (14 vs. 21 ml/100ml, p = 0.007). The mean transit time of the contrast bolus was not changed (p=0.2). The mean heart rate was significantly different (p = 0.01) between RA (67 ± 11 beats/min) and O2 (61 ± 12 beats/min)). The average blood flow (pulmonary trunc) was significant lower while breathing O2 (RA: 5.9 vs. O2: 5.5 l/min, p = 0.047).

The administration of oxygen during MRI of the lung causes a significant change of pulmonary blood flow and volume. Thus oxygen should be avoided for the quantitative assessment of perfusion and flow using MRI. In the context of oxygen enhanced MRI of pulmonary ventilation the contribution of this effect needs further evaluation.

Oxygen should be avoided for quantitative assessment of perfusion and flow.

Ley, S, Puderbach, M, Risse, F, Zaporozhan, J, Kauczor, H, Bock, M, Eichinger, M, Takenaka, D, et al, , Impact of Oxygen Inhalation on Pulmonary Perfusion: Assessment by MR-Perfusion and -Flow Measurements.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4436902.html