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    Thoracic Imaging

    Emphysema: Hyperpolarized Helium 3 Diffusion MR Imaging of the Lungs Compared with Spirometric Indexes—Initial Experience

    Published Online:Jan 1 2002https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2221001834

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: To quantitatively evaluate hyperpolarized helium 3 (3He) diffusion magnetic resonance (MR) images of the lung in patients with emphysema and to determine whether apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) measured with MR imaging correlate with spirometric indexes.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hyperpolarized 3He diffusion MR imaging was performed in 16 healthy volunteers and 11 patients. Coronal diffusion-sensitized MR images were obtained during suspended respiration after inhalation of laser-polarized 3He gas, and images of the ADC were calculated. Spirometry was performed immediately before imaging. The mean and SD of the ADCs were compared between subject groups and were correlated with spirometric indexes.

    RESULTS: ADC images were homogeneous in volunteers, but demonstrated regional variations in patients. The mean and SD of the ADCs for patients were significantly larger (P < .002) than those for volunteers. The mean ADCs for all subjects correlated with the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second, or FEV1, (r = −0.797, P < .001) and the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity, or FVC, (r = −0.930, P < .001). ADC images in patients demonstrated a significant increase (P < .001) in the ADCs in the upper regions compared with the lower regions of the lung.

    CONCLUSION: Hyperpolarized 3He diffusion MR imaging demonstrated potential for use in evaluating the global and regional severity of emphysema.

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    Article History

    Published in print: Jan 2002