Quantitative assessment of regional pulmonary perfusion in the entire lung using three‐dimensional ultrafast dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: Preliminary experience in 40 subjects

Abstract

Purpose To assess regional differences in quantitative pulmonary perfusion parameters, i.e., pulmonary blood flow (PBF), mean transit time (MTT), and pulmonary blood volume (PBV) in the entire lung on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis in normal volunteers and pulmonary hypertension patients. Materials and Methods Three‐dimensional ultrafast dynamic contrast‐enhanced MR imaging was performed in 15 normal volunteers and 25 patients with pulmonary hypertension. From the signal intensity–time course curves, PBF, MTT and PBV maps were generated using deconvolution analysis, indicator dilution theories, and the central volume principle, on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis. From pulmonary perfusion parameter maps of normal volunteers and pulmonary hypertension patients, regional PBF, MTT, and PBV were statistically evaluated. Results Regional PBF, MTT, and PBV showed significant differences in the gravitational and isogravitational directions (P < 0.05). The quantitative pulmonary perfusion parameter maps demonstrated significant differences between normal volunteers and pulmonary hypertension patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion Three‐dimensional ultrafast dynamic contrast‐enhanced MR imaging is feasible for the assessment of regional quantitative pulmonary perfusion parameters in the entire lung on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis in normal volunteers and pulmonary hypertension patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:353–365.