Evaluation of Chest Motion and Volumetry During the Breathing Cycle by Dynamic MRI in Healthy Subjects

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Abstract
To investigate diaphragm and chest wall motion during the whole breathing cycle using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a volumetric model in correlation with spirometry. Breathing cycles of 15 healthy volunteers were examined using a trueFISP sequence (5 slices in 3 planes, 3 images per second). Time-distance curves were calculated and correlated to spirometry. A model for vital capacity (VC), continuous time-dependent vital capacity (tVC), and investigating the influence of horizontal and vertical parameters on tVC was introduced. Time-distance curves of the breathing cycle using MRI correlated highly significant with spirometry (P < 0.0001). VC calculated by the model was similar to VC measured in spirometry (5.00 L vs. 5.15 L). tVC correlated highly significantly with spirometry (P < 0.0001). Vertical parameters had a more profound influence on tVC change than horizontal parameters. Dynamic MRI is a simple noninvasive method to evaluate local chest wall motion and respiratory mechanics. It widens the repertoire of tools for lung examination with a high temporal resolution.