Imaging the lungs in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease starts early in life and is characterised by chronic lung inflammation and infection that persists throughout life. Both inflammation and infection lead to early irreversible structural lung damage. The most important pathological changes are bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis obliterans-like changes of the small airways. The course of disease and spectrum of the structural changes vary widely between patients due to genotypic and environmental differences. The primary aim of CF therapy is to prevent any structural damage and to conserve lung function. Adequate monitoring of CF lung disease is paramount to tailoring treatment to a patient's need. Imaging techniques are needed to visualise the structural changes related to CF lung disease. Chest computed tomography (CT) is currently the best validated and most sensitive imaging modality to detect and monitor structural lung abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising technique that is of specific interest for studying dynamic aspects of the lung.

• View at Publisher
• View at Scopus