Evaluation of a Patient with Interstitial Lung Disease Using 3D Perfusion Maps Based on 3D Ultrashort Echo-time Imaging

Since vascular abnormalities are common features of interstitial lung disease, not only structural images but also functional images such as perfusion maps are required to accurately evaluate vascular abnormalities including pulmonary hypertension. In this preliminary study, we proposed a method of evaluating an interstitial lung disease (ILD) patient particularly with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) using 3D perfusion maps as well as high-resolution 3D structural images, both of which were obtained from 3D ultrashort echo-time imaging. Fibrotic areas were well identified in the structural UTE images as well as in the perfusion maps showing increased perfusion signals in the corresponding lesions.