Magnetic resonance imaging of the lung in cystic fibrosis

In the multisystemic disease cystic fibrosis (CF) the pulmonary manifestation determines the morbidity and mortality of the patients. The characteristic pulmonary manifestations can be visualized by X-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT) and/or by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Currently, MRI of the lungs is increasingly used for repeated imaging examinations in patients with CF. Study results show that MRI can display the pulmonary alterations of CF with similar resolution to unenhanced low-dose CT examinations. In addition to the lack of radiation exposure, the advantages of MRI are the possibility to visualize a lesion by different weightings and techniques. Furthermore, MRI can provide functional information about lung ventilation and perfusion. The novel phase resolved functional lung (PREFUL) technique enables a very sensitive quantitative ventilation and perfusion analysis of the whole lung without the need for intravenous application of MR contrast media. This gentle technique is also particularly suitable for therapeutic monitoring in patients with CF.