Pulmonary fibrosis is typically an progressive, irreversible disease. However, in many cases, the onset of fibrosis is preceded by persistent inflammation; unfortunately, the two presentations are challenging to assess radiologically, and misdiagnoses can limit treatment options. In this in vivo rat study, the metabolic state the lung—derived via HP [1-13C]-pyruvate MRSI—and the structural heterogeneity of the lung—imaged via CT—were used in tandem to distinguish healthy lungs, inflamed lungs, and lungs with early onset fibrosis, creating an extremely sensitive tool for differentiating between the different phases of pulmonary fibrosis.
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