During the past decade significant developments have been achieved in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), enabling MRI to enter the clinical arena of chest imaging. Standard protocols can now be implemented on up-to-date scanners, allowing MRI to be used as a first-line imaging modality for various lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and even lung cancer. The diagnostic benefits stem from the ability of MRI to visualize changes in lung structure while simultaneously imaging different aspects of lung function, such as perfusion, respiratory motion, ventilation and gas exchange. On this basis, novel quantitative surrogates for lung function can be obtained. This book provides a comprehensive overview of how to use MRI for imaging of lung disease. Special emphasis is placed on benign diseases requiring regular monitoring, given that it is patients with these diseases who derive the greatest benefit from the avoidance of ionizing radiation.

Technical: General Requirements of MRI of the Lung and Suggested Standard Protocol

MR Angiography of the Pulmonary Vasculature
MR Perfusion of the Lung
MRI of Pulmonary Ventilation
Helium-MRI
Xenon-MRI
Fluorine-MRI
Proton MRI (Oxygen and Alternative Approaches)
MRI of Pulmonary Motion and Respiratory Mechanics, incl. MR Spirometry
Clinical: Pulmonary Hypertension and Thromboembolic Disease
Vascular Anomalies and Diseases
Asthma
COPD
Cystic Fibrosis
Lung Cancer
Mediastinal Disease
Pulmonary Infections Pneumonia
Interstitial Lung Disease
Diseases of Pleura and Chest Wall
Subject Index
List of Contributors.