What we do
About our project
Background information
Novel promising MRI sequences have been developed that may be sensitive enough to monitor structural abnormalities related to cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Other MRI sequences have been developed that may allow non-invasive monitoring of lung perfusion and ventilation. Lastly, MRI sequences aimed to detect lung inflammation could serve to monitor lung inflammation without the need for PET-CT or PET-MRI.
Overall aim
Fourier Decomposition Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FD-MRI) is a novel technique to obtain perfusion and ventilation images without using intravenous and gaseous contrast agents. FD-MRI could provide new outcomes measures for monitoring CF lung Disease (CFLD). Before introducing FD-MRI in CF clinical practice, we need to validate it against standard of care imaging, such as Computed Tomography (CT), and with established ventilation and perfusion MRI techniques, such as HyperPolarized gases MRI (HP-MRI) and Contrast Enhanced MRI (CEMRI). The goal of this validation plan is to develop an MRI platform that provides information about ventilation, inflammation, perfusion and structure (VIPS-MRI) in a single MRI-examination lasting 30 minutes for safe and efficient monitoring of CFLD.
Research method
All CF patients, 12-18 years, who are scheduled for their annual check-up and a biennial CT scan, will be asked to participate. They are all familiar with MRI as from the age of 7 years, since a biennial chest MRI is standard patient care since 2007.
In addition, we will recruit healthy volunteers, sex- and age-matched to the CF patient group for a chest MRI. These healthy volunteers will be friends or siblings of the recruited CF patients and will only be subjected to MRI and lung function tests.
Desirable outcome
The ultimate goal of this validation plan is to develop an MRI platform that provides information about ventilation, inflammation, perfusion and structure (VIPS-MRI) in a single MRI examination lasting 30 minutes for safe and efficient monitoring of CFLD.
Collaborations
Collaborations within Erasmus MC
- Department of Genetic and Congenital Defects.
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics.
Collaborations outside of Erasmus MC
- Hannover: Dr J. Vogel Claussen.
- Sheffield: Dr J. Wild.
