2023-09-07 16:17:35
Title: New Non-Invasive MRI Method Allows Early Detection of Lung Diseases in Premature Babies
Subtitle: Revolutionary technique opens doors to risk assessment and prevention of lifelong complications
Date: [Current Date]
In a groundbreaking study published in the European Respiratory Journal, a team led by Dr. Anne Hilgendorff from Helmholtz Munich and the LMU Klinikum has developed a non-invasive method using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect early signs of vascular diseases associated with chronic lung diseases in premature babies. This innovative technique, which can be conducted during spontaneous sleep, presents new opportunities for risk assessment, prevention, and treatment of complications later in life.
Premature infants often face difficulties in breathing and require respiratory support and oxygen therapy. Unfortunately, these interventions can cause lung damage, leading to lifelong consequences and chronic illnesses. The most common long-term complication following prematurity is bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease in infants. BPD is often associated with pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and has varying degrees of impact on the majority of infants with the condition.
Detecting PVD in premature babies has remained challenging due to the lack of suitable diagnostic methods for early detection. Additionally, PVD carries a significant risk of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the long term. Dr. Anne Hilgendorff and her team, in collaboration with radiologists, neonatologists, and scientists, dedicated their study to identifying and validating early detection features for pulmonary vascular problems in newborns with lung diseases.
The new study presents a non-invasive method for the early detection of abnormalities in the pulmonary circulation of premature babies with BPD using a heart-lung MRI protocol. Researchers conducted MRIs of premature babies’ hearts and lungs close to their expected due date, both with and without BPD, without the need for immobilization. By analyzing changes in blood flow from the heart to the lungs via the pulmonary artery (PA) and signs of changes in cardiac function, a statistical algorithm was developed to identify signs of PVD.
For the first time, advanced MR imaging techniques were applied to preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation, considering the degree of prematurity, to demonstrate the interrelated effect of changes in PA blood flow and cardiac function at the time of BPD diagnosis. The results showed characteristic changes in PA blood flow and cardiac function associated with increasing pressure in the pulmonary circulation, likely due to incomplete development and remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature. The algorithm successfully identified cases with a significant risk of vascular disease in the heterogeneous group of infants with mild BPD.
Early detection of PVD in premature infants with BPD using MRI scans offers the possibility of classifying infants into different risk groups for the subsequent development of complications such as pulmonary hypertension and even sudden cardiac death later in life. The non-invasive diagnostic approach, which can be conducted during sleep, holds great potential for clinical application. Future studies will evaluate the identified early detection features of pulmonary vascular pathology through (pre)school age and adulthood to develop risk-adapted surveillance and treatment strategies for BPD.
This groundbreaking research represents a significant advancement in neonatal care and has the potential to improve the lives of premature babies by identifying and addressing complications at an earlier stage. The non-invasive nature of the MRI method ensures that infants can be examined comfortably and regularly, allowing for the implementation of preventative measures and targeted interventions.
Citation: Häfner et al. (2023): MRI pulmonary artery flow detects lung vascular pathology in preterms with lung disease. European Respiratory Journal. DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02445-2022]
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