Comparison of Capabilities for Regional Perfusion and Functional Changes among ECG- and PPG-Gated PREFUL MRIs and Dynamic CE-Perfusion MRI

Motivation: PREFUL MRI with ECG and PPG as well as dynamic CE-perfusion MRI may evaluate regional perfusion and pulmonary functional changes in thoracic oncologic patients. Goal(s): The goal was to determine the capability of three methods for regional perfusion and pulmonary functional loss assessments in thoracic oncology patients. Approach: This clinical study examined 25 surgical treatment candidates by three methods, and each perfusion were correlated each other and with pulmonary function test results. Results: There were significant correlations between each method (0.24≤r≤0.74, p<0.0001). There were significant correlations between function test results and perfusion determined from PW-MRIs with ECG (0.53≤r≤0.55, p<0.05) and PPG (0.54≤r≤0.66, p<0.05). Impact: PW-MRI with ECG and PPG had equal to or better potential than that with dynamic CE-perfusion MRI for regional perfusion and pulmonary functional loss assessments in thoracic oncology patients with different underlying lung conditions.