MRI of the diaphragm: characterizing motion and microstructural properties in ICU patients

Diaphragm weakness is common in intensive care patients and has a detrimental effect on clinical outcome. Weakness in these patients may be explained by disuse atrophy or injury resulting from systemic inflammation among other factors. MRI can be used to study the motion and tissue characteristics of the diaphragm. We present the design of an MRI protocol for quantifying motion and tissue characteristics of the diaphragm. 4D MRI, relaxometry and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI were successfully applied in healthy volunteers and COVID-19 patients. Our method may aid in finding treatments and prevention strategies for diaphragm weakness in critically ill patients.