The argument for utilising magnetic resonance imaging as a tool for monitoring lung structure and function in pediatric patients

Abstract

Introduction: Although historically challenging to perform in the lung, technological advancements have made Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) increasingly applicable for pediatric pulmonary imaging. Furthermore, a wide array of functional imaging techniques has become available that may be leveraged alongside structural imaging for increasingly sensitive biomarkers, or as outcome measures in the evaluation of novel therapies.

Areas covered: In this review, recent technical advancements and modern methodologies for structural and functional lung MRI are described. These include ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI, free-breathing contrast agent-free, functional lung MRI, and hyperpolarized gas MRI, amongst other techniques. Specific examples of the application of these methods in children are provided, principally drawn from recent research in asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and cystic fibrosis.

Expert opinion: Pediatric lung MRI is rapidly growing, and is well poised for clinical utilization, as well as continued research into early disease detection, disease processes, and novel treatments. Structure/function complementarity makes MRI especially attractive as a tool for increased adoption in the evaluation of pediatric lung disease. Looking toward the future, novel technologies, such as low-field MRI and artificial intelligence, mitigate some of the traditional drawbacks of lung MRI and will aid in improving access to MRI in general, potentially spurring increased adoption and demand for pulmonary MRI in children.

Keywords: Asthma; Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; Cystic fibrosis; Functional MRI; Hyperpolarized gas MRI; Structural MRI; UTE.