Functional lung imaging using novel and emerging MRI techniques

Abstract

Respiratory diseases are leading causes of death and disability in the world. While early diagnosis is key, this has proven difficult due to the lack of sensitive and non-invasive tools. Computed tomography is regarded as the gold standard for structural lung imaging but lacks functional information and involves significant radiation exposure. Lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has historically been challenging due to its short T2 and low proton density. Hyperpolarised gas MRI is an emerging technique that is able to overcome these difficulties, permitting the functional and microstructural evaluation of the lung. Other novel imaging techniques such as fluorinated gas MRI, oxygen-enhanced MRI, Fourier decomposition MRI and phase-resolved functional lung imaging can also be used to interrogate lung function though they are currently at varying stages of development. This article provides a clinically focused review of these contrast and non-contrast MR imaging techniques and their current applications in lung disease.

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“…[20] and its first application in humans was published by Mugler et al [31]. The primary focus has been on applications in lung studies [29,[32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40], which utilize a direct visualization of the inhaled xenon gas. In 2023, Polarean Imaging Plc reached a significant milestone in a momentous stride toward the clinical application of HP 129 Xe MRI with the FDA approval of their XENOVIEW system [41].…”