Repeatability of Regional Lung Ventilation Quantification Using Fluorinated (19F) Gas Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Rationale and Objectives To assess the repeatability of global and regional lung ventilation quantification in both healthy subjects and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using fluorinated ( 19 F) gas washout magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in free breathing. Material and Methods In this prospective institutional review board-approved study, 12 healthy nonsmokers and eight COPD patients were examined with 19 F dynamic gas washout MR imaging in free breathing and with lung function testing. Measurements were repeated within 2 weeks. Lung ventilation was quantified using 19 F gas washout time. Repeatability was analyzed for the total lung and on a regional basis using the coefficient of variation (COV) and Bland–Altman plots. Results In healthy subjects and COPD patients, a good repeatability was found for lung ventilation quantification using dynamic 19 F gas washout MR imaging on a global (COV Conclusion 19 F gas washout MR imaging provides a good repeatability of lung ventilation quantification and appears to be sensitive to early changes of regional lung function alterations such as normal aging.