Researchers at Newcastle University have unveiled a groundbreaking lung scanning technique that allows for real-time visualization of airflow in patients suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and individuals who have undergone lung transplants.
This innovative approach not only enhances the understanding of how transplanted lungs function but also aids clinicians in the early identification of declines in respiratory health.
Innovative Scanning Technique
In two recent studies, published in the journals Radiology and JHLT Open, the research team demonstrated the use of perfluoropropane—a specially formulated gas that can be seen during MRI scans.
Patients can safely inhale and exhale this gas, providing medical professionals with a detailed picture of its distribution throughout the lungs.
According to Professor Pete Thelwall, the project leader and a specialist in Magnetic Resonance Physics at the Centre for In Vivo Imaging at Newcastle University, the significance of these scans lies in their ability to reveal regions where airflow is compromised due to lung conditions.
The scans can show notable improvements in lung function following treatment.
For instance, when a patient takes asthma medication, the areas of the lungs that benefit from enhanced airflow become visible.
Applications for Patient Care
This state-of-the-art scanning method helps pinpoint lung regions that struggle to receive sufficient air during breathing.
By analyzing overall lung ventilation, healthcare providers can better understand the impacts of respiratory diseases and highlight particular areas that demonstrate ventilation deficits.
The initial results, outlined in the Radiology study, show that this scanning technique is effective for patients with asthma and COPD.
This breakthrough enables clinicians to quantify improvements in ventilation after treatments like salbutamol, a widely used bronchodilator, suggesting that the technique could be invaluable for clinical trials of new therapies.
Another study presented in JHLT Open focused on lung transplant recipients from Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Building upon their imaging techniques, the research team successfully generated lung function metrics that could significantly enhance care for transplant patients.
This advanced capability positions clinicians to detect changes in lung function early on, fostering timely interventions that can improve patient outcomes.
Future Prospects
During their studies, the team captured MRI images of transplant recipients breathing in and out, revealing how air infused with the specialized gas traveled through various regions of the lungs.
The research included both individuals with normal lung function and those facing chronic rejection—an ongoing challenge after transplant surgery, where the immune system attacks donor lungs.
In patients experiencing this complication, the imaging indicated restricted airflow in the outer regions of the lungs, likely resulting from damage to smaller airways.
Expressing optimism about the technique’s future, Professor Andrew Fisher, an expert in Respiratory Transplant Medicine at both Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, noted that this novel scanning method could facilitate the earlier detection of changes in transplanted lungs, often before traditional breathing tests reveal any issues.
By catching problems early, clinicians may be able to provide prompt treatment, potentially protecting transplanted lungs from further damage.
This research team is excited about the future applications of their lung scanning technique in managing both lung transplant recipients and other respiratory ailments.
They envision a powerful diagnostic tool capable of detecting subtle shifts in lung function, which could ultimately lead to more effective treatment strategies for these patients.
Source: ScienceDaily