Pedro A. Daltro MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Leise Rodrigues, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Emerson L. Gasparetto MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tatiana M. Fazecas MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Renata Nogueira, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

L. Celso Cruz, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberto Cortes Domingues MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Edson Marchiori, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Romeu Cortes Domingues MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

to evaluate and compare the high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) presenting lung involvement.

The study included 40 patients with diagnosis of CF (22 males and 18 females, mean age 11 years). The high-resolution CT scans were obtained using a low-dose protocol. Six slices were obtained at the level of the superior, medium and lower lobes, at end-inspiration, using 1mm collimation. The MR imaging (1.5 T scanner) protocol included axial T1-weighted and coronal T2-HASTE images. Two radiologists independently analyzed the high-resolution CT scans and MR images obtained at the same anatomic levels. The final decisions regarding the findings were reached by consensus. The following imaging findings were assessed: bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening, mucus plugging, tree-in-bud pattern and air-space consolidation.

Regarding the high-resolution CT scans, bronchial wall thickening was seen in 16 cases (100%), tree-in-bud pattern and bronchiectasis in 14 patients (87.5%), mucus plugging in 13 (81.2%) and air-space consolidation were observed in 11 cases (68.7%). The frequency of these findings at the MR imaging was 75%, 68.7%, 75%, 75% and 68.7%, respectively. Considering the high-resolution CT as the gold standard, the sensitivity of the MR imaging was 100% for air-space consolidation, 92.3% for mucus plugging, 85.7% for tree-in-bud pattern, 78.6% for bronchiectasis and 75% for bronchial wall thickening.

Compared with high-resolution CT scan, morphological abnormalities seen in the lungs of CF patients can be reasonable evaluated through MR imaging. The sensitivity of MR imaging was higher than 75% for all the most common findings seen in patients with CF. In addition, the MR imaging can provide functional assessment of these patients, allowing the study of perfusion, angiography, flow, ventilation and respiratory mechanics. Finally, the survival improvement of CF patients has increased the importance of considering radiation-free modalities for the follow-up of patients with CF.

Importance of MRI for the evaluation of cystic fibrosis patients

Daltro, P, Rodrigues, L, Gasparetto, E, Fazecas, T, Nogueira, R, Cruz, L, Domingues, R, Marchiori, E, Domingues, R, et al, , et al, , Comparison between High-Resolution CT and MR Imaging of the Lungs of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5016298.html