Gravity-dependent perfusion of the lung demonstrated with the FAIRER arterial spin tagging method

Magn Reson Imaging. 2001 Sep;19(7):929-35. doi: 10.1016/s0730-725x(01)00416-7.

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging of lung perfusion using an arterial spin tagging (AST) sequence called flow sensitive alternating inversion recovery with an extra RF pulse (FAIRER) was performed in the left and right lateral positions in five volunteers. Coronal slices were obtained and the average intensity of each lung was measured. In both positions, an increase in the intensity of the dependent lung was found (229% for left lateral, 40% for right lateral). No change was seen along an isogravitational plane. Lung volumes were measured in each position to account for the compression of the lungs by the heart. This effect was found to be symmetric and did not contribute to the perfusion gradient. This demonstrates that AST is sensitive to gravity-dependent perfusion gradients in the lung.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Flow Velocity / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement
  • Lung / blood supply*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Posture
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology
  • Spin Labels

Substances

  • Spin Labels