Giovanni Morana MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Silvia Bertolo, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Federica De Leo, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mirco Ros MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Francesca Lucca, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Pierluigi Ciet MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Valentina Tavano, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Analysis of the information obtained in Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) evaluated during exacerbation with MR, both with morphological and funtional (DWI) imaging.

50 patients with CF were enrolled: 26 with pulmonary exacerbations. Another group of 24 patients, matched for age and pulmonary function but without pulmonary exacerbations,  to obtain comparative data. Each patients performed two RM examinations: pre and post antibiotic treatment for the case group, after and before 2 weeks for the control group. MR examinations were performed on a 1.5-T Siemens Avanto 1. Breath hold HASTE  sequences in the axial and in the coronal plane 2. DP Propeller (BLADE) sequences in the axial and in the coronal orientations, with navigator 3. EPI sequence with respiratory triggering for diffusion imaging with multiple b-values (0, 10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 100, 150, 200, 400, 800 sec/ mm2) BLADE images  were scored with a Brody Score adapted to MRI . Qualitative analysis of DWI imaged were conducted on high values of b -value ( b500 and b800 ). The areas of high signal intensity (hot spots) were compared with the signal produced by the spinal cord, used as a reference .  Qualitative analysis of DWI images were conducted with Mathlab, with calculation of IVIM parameters. Statistical analysis was conducted using the following software: SPSS 13.0, Matlab2010 and Microsoft Excel 14.0 .  

The independent samples t-test (p < 0.05 ) shows a statistically significant difference between the averages of BRODY score between the exacerbation group and the stable group both at the first and second examination. Instead for the DWI score, the independent samples t-test (p < 0.05 ) show a statistically significant difference between the averages of DWI score between the exacerbation group and the stable group at the first examination but not at the second examination.  The paired t-test (p < 0.05 ) show a statistically significant difference between the averages of IVIM coefficients between the first and second examination in the “exacerbation”group while not show a statistically significant difference in the “stable” group.  

MR is a feasible tool to follow CF patients with exacerbation

MR is able to distinguish reversible lung changes from irreversible with DWI. It can enhance the management of CF patients with exacerbation

Morana, G, Bertolo, S, De Leo, F, Ros, M, Lucca, F, Ciet, P, Tavano, V, Morphological and Functional MR Imaging of the Lung in CF Patients with Exacerbations.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14018422.html