Study of 19F MRI Using Inhaled Gas to Visualize Lung Ventilation in Children and Teens With and Without Mild Cystic Fibrosis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the use of 19F MRI, a novel imaging technique using inhaled perfluoropropane gas combined with magnetic resonance imaging, to visualize lung ventilation in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years. This method has not been studied in children before. The study compares children with cystic fibrosis who have normal lung function to healthy children of the same age to assess the feasibility of this imaging approach in a pediatric population. All participants will inhale perfluoropropane gas during MRI scans using two techniques standard breath hold and a newer free-breathing method that eliminates the need for breath holds. Each participant will breathe the gas for five breath hold cycles, with volume adjusted for lung size. This cross-sectional study includes both children with mild cystic fibrosis lung disease and healthy controls undergoing the same procedures. Participants will be evaluated during a single visit where they will undergo the MRI procedures along with spirometry and multiple breath nitrogen washout tests. Researchers will measure participation and completion rates as well as parental and child acceptability of the procedures. They will also analyze MRI-derived ventilation defect parameters and lung volumes to compare lung function between groups. The study aims to complete recruitment within two years, with assessments focused on the feasibility and sensitivity of these imaging and lung function measures.

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