# Quantitation and Spatial Registration of Airways Dysfunction with Dynamic 19F MRI in Cystic Fibrosis

> **NIH NIH K23** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2024 · $201,013

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
 Quantitation and Spatial Registration of Airways Dysfunction with Dynamic 19F MRI in Cystic Fibrosis
Rationale: Currently available endpoints for testing of new therapies in CF typically are either insensitive to focal
changes in lung disease and early lung disease (e.g. spirometry), or require ionizing radiation (e.g. chest CT).
These problems limit their utility, and typically prevent repetitive use, particularly in young children. The addition
of an inhaled gas as a contrast agent to quantify ventilation while preserving spatial inforrmation using MRI
techniques is an important advance in pulmonary imaging, but is not yet widely available. We propose to develop
the use of a perfluorinated gas for MRI imaging, which may have several important advantages over other
techniques, including being readily transferrable to other research centers. Methods: Subjects with cystic fibrosis
will undergo perfluoropropane (PFP)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI), in addition to 1H
ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI. In a longitudinal study, we will evaluate the short-term variability and
responsiveness of 19F MRI to disease state changes while exploring the relationship between functional changes
in ventilation and lung structure. Parallel measurement of traditional outcome measures (spirometry, lung
clearance index, and patient symptoms) will help evaluate whether additional sensitivity and value is added by
this technique. Subjects will be tested in relation to pulmonary exacerbations as well to determine measure
performance over different physiologic states. 19F MRI will be extended down to the pediatric age range to
determine the feasibility of performing these studies in young children, and the ability to detect disease in children
with normal spirometry. Training: Dr. Goralski will embark upon specialized training in clinical research topics
(advanced study design and biostatistics), as well as training in medical imaging analysis to further her goal in
becoming an independent investigator. She will also seek both formal and informal education in advance study
design and biostatistical methods. Expected Results: We expect that 19F MRI will readily detect abnormalities
in small airway function in subjects with CF lung disease, that measurements will be valid over short time frames,
and that they will reflect acute changes in disease activity (i.e. exacerbations). We further expect that 19F MRI
will be feasible in young children and will be able to detect ventilation inhomogeneity, even in young CF subjects
with normal lung function tested by conventional means (i.e. spirometry).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10913441
- **Project number:** 5K23HL138257-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer L Goralski
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $201,013
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-10 → 2025-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10913441

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10913441, Quantitation and Spatial Registration of Airways Dysfunction with Dynamic 19F MRI in Cystic Fibrosis (5K23HL138257-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10913441. Licensed CC0.

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