James H. Holmes1,2, Rafael L. O'Halloran2, Thorsten A. Bley3, Christopher J. Francois3, Mark L. Schiebler3, Robert F. Lemanske4, Ronald L. Sorkness4,5, Sean B. Fain2,3
1Applied Science Laboratory, GE Healthcare, Madison, WI, USA; 2Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; 3Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; 4Department of Pediatric Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; 5Department of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
A method for 3D time-resolved imaging is shown for the study of asthma in pediatric subjects. This work readily accommodates variable subject breath-holds and movements during the data acquisition; and it allows detection of ventilation dynamics including dynamic gas trapping. Five pediatric subjects were imaged during a single respiratory maneuver consisting of inspiration, short breath-hold (~5-13 s), forced exhalation, and tidal breathing. Subjects were verbally coached but free to perform the exhalation as needed. The work is part of an ongoing study on the origins of childhood asthma designed to look at the mechanisms and progression of the disease.