Evaluation of diaphragm motion during the breathing

• 1、The Imaging Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi`an
• 2、Department of Radiology，Second Hospital of Medical

Abstract：The aim of this study was to investigate diaphragm motion during the whole breathing cycle using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in solitary lung tumor patients. And the influence of tumor diameter, location on diaphragm motion were examined. Methods: Breathing cycles of 21 patients with a solitary lung tumor were examined using a SSTSE sequence (40~50 imaging in 2~3 breathing cycle), and SENSE technique has been to apply. All the patients have normal result on spirometry. Dynamic MRI was acquired at a fixed mid-coronal plane through the trachea, at 2 fixed mid-sagittal planes through the middle of each hemithorax. Diaphragm motions were assessed by cineloop viewing of sequential MR imaging and using time-distance curves continuously documented the distance changes from deep inspiration to expiration. Motion of tumor-bearing and corresponding contralateral non-tumor bearing regions was compared. Results: Patients with a tumor >5 cm showed a significant difference between the non-tumor bearing and tumor bearing hemithorax in the craniocaudal (CC) directions. But tumors <3cm showed no significant difference. With a 3~5cm tumor, difference proved to be significant in deep inspiration. And in inspiration, the lower tumors has more reduction in tumor bearing hemithorax than upper tumors, right tumors has more reduction in tumor bearing hemithorax than left tumors. Conclusion: Dynamic MRI is a simple noninvasive method to evaluate diaphragm mobility, and is a potentially useful tool for monitoring respiratory mechanics. Our results indicated that some partly and weakly injury of lung would must been attention in lung tumor patients.

Keywords： diaphragm function magnetic resonance imaging pulmonary tumor dimension