A Cross-sectional Pilot Study of 19F MRI in Healthy Children and Children With Mild Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the use of a new imaging technique called 19F MRI that uses an inert gas, perfluoropropane mixed with oxygen, to visualize lung ventilation. This method has not been tested in children before. The study involves children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have normal lung function, as well as a group of healthy children of the same age range. The goal is to assess if this imaging can be done successfully in the pediatric population and compare results between the two groups. Participants will inhale perfluoropropane gas during MRI scans using two techniques: standard breath holds and a novel free-breathing method that avoids breath holding. Each participant will breathe the gas for five breath hold cycles, with volumes adjusted for their lung size. Both children with CF and healthy children will undergo these procedures to compare lung ventilation images and lung function measures. During the single study visit, participants will undergo 19F MRI scans and lung function tests including spirometry and multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBW). Researchers will assess how well children tolerate the procedures using acceptability scores from both parents and children. The main focus is on the feasibility of performing these scans in children, with secondary measures assessing lung ventilation details. The study lasts for recruitment over two years and includes participation and completion rates as key outcomes.

19F MRI in Healthy Children and Children With Mild Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease