Oxygen-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging technique and compartmental model algorithm
First Claim
1. A method of characterising lung function in a subject in need of such characterisation comprising:
- performing, with an imaging system having a computer and a processor, an Oxygen-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (OE-MRI) technique, on a voxel defined within a lung space of interest,generating image data, with the imaging system, over a time period during which the subject inhales gases with at least two different partial pressures of oxygen; and
applying a compartmental model algorithm, with the processor, to the image data generated for the voxel over said time period to measure rates at which oxygen was removed from an alveoli gaseous space into a fluid of an alveolar membrane, interstitial spaces and alveolar capillaries and removed from the alveolar capillaries when taken into the body via a blood stream to provide information on ventilation, diffusion across the alveolar membrane and perfusion of a lung.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of characterizing lung function in a subject in need of such characterization. The method comprises performing an imaging technique, on a voxel defined within a lung space of interest. Image data is generated over a time period during which the subject inhales gases with at least two different partial pressures of a paramagnetic gas. A compartmental model algorithm is applied to the image data generated for the voxel to provide information on ventilation, diffusion and perfusion of a lung. The paramagnetic gas is preferably Oxygen. The imaging technique is preferably Oxygen Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (OE-MRI).
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of characterising lung function in a subject in need of such characterisation comprising:
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performing, with an imaging system having a computer and a processor, an Oxygen-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (OE-MRI) technique, on a voxel defined within a lung space of interest, generating image data, with the imaging system, over a time period during which the subject inhales gases with at least two different partial pressures of oxygen; and applying a compartmental model algorithm, with the processor, to the image data generated for the voxel over said time period to measure rates at which oxygen was removed from an alveoli gaseous space into a fluid of an alveolar membrane, interstitial spaces and alveolar capillaries and removed from the alveolar capillaries when taken into the body via a blood stream to provide information on ventilation, diffusion across the alveolar membrane and perfusion of a lung. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An apparatus for generating and characterizing data concerning lung function in a subject, the apparatus comprising:
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a computer in communication with the apparatus; a memory storing processor readable instructions; and a processor configured to read and execute instructions stored in said memory, the processor being operable to perform an Oxygen-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (OE-MRI) technique on a voxel defined within a lung space of interest; generate image data over a time period during which the subject inhales gases with at least two different partial pressures of oxygen, and apply a compartmental model algorithm to the image data generated for the voxel over said time period to measure rates at which oxygen was removed from an alveoli gaseous space into a fluid of an alveolar membrane, interstitial spaces and alveolar capillaries and removed from the alveolar capillaries when taken into the body via a blood stream to provide information on ventilation, diffusion across the alveolar membrane and perfusion of a lung.
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15. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable program code for characterizing data concerning lung function in a subject, the program code configured to cause a computer to
perform an Oxygen-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (OE-MRI) technique on a voxel defined within a lung space of interest; -
generate image data over a time period during which the subject inhales gases with at least two different partial pressures of oxygen, and apply a compartmental model algorithm to the image data generated for the voxel over said time period to measure rates at which oxygen was removed from an alveoli gaseous space into a fluid of an alveolar membrane, interstitial spaces and alveolar capillaries and removed from the alveolar capillaries when taken into the body via a blood stream to provide information on ventilation, diffusion across the alveolar membrane and perfusion of a lung.
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Specification