Volumetric T1 and ADC Mapping Aids in Lung Nodule Detection: An MRI-Based Approach

Motivation: The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) demonstrated that low-dose CT screening reduces lung-cancer-specific mortality but raises concerns about radiation exposure. Goal(s): This study explores MRI as a non-ionizing alternative, for detecting and characterizing lung nodules in high-risk populations. Approach: We used a 3D UTE sequence at 3T for high-resolution MRI and integrated T1 and ADC mapping to assess MRI's potential to characterize nodules effectively. Results: Significant T1 and ADC contrasts between nodules and surrounding parenchyma (P<0.001) were observed in patients with CT-confirmed lung nodules, suggesting that MRI could be a non-radiative alternative for lung nodule imaging, with T1 and ADC mapping enhancing detection. Impact: MRI with T1 and ADC mapping shows promise as a radiation-free alternative for lung nodule detection, potentially improving screening safety and accuracy in high-risk individuals.