Demonstration of gravity-dependent lung perfusion with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

J Magn Reson Imaging. 1999 Apr;9(4):557-61. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1522-2586(199904)9:4<557::aid-jmri8>3.0.co;2-y.

Abstract

Imaging of lung perfusion using contrast-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) was performed in both the supine and prone positions in six volunteers. Regions of interest (ROIs) were chosen in the dependent and non-dependent portions of the right lung. The percentage increase in signal intensity (SI) and the mean slope were calculated. In the supine position, the dorsal ROI had a greater increase in SI (236.0% vs. 156.9%, P < 0.05) and a faster rise in the slope of enhancement (55.1%/sec vs. 30.1%/sec, P < 0.05) than the ventral ROI. After changing to the prone position, higher peak enhancement (234.3% vs. 177.4%, P < 0.05) and faster slopes (59.6%/sec vs. 35.3%/sec, P < 0.05) shifted to the anterior ROI. We conclude that dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging is sensitive to demonstrate gravitationally dependent differences in lung perfusion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Contrast Media*
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA*
  • Gravitation
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / statistics & numerical data
  • Lung / anatomy & histology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / instrumentation
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Statistics, Nonparametric

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA