Pulmonary magnetic resonance imaging in cystic fibrosis [V1.0]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pulmonary magnetic resonance imaging in cystic fibrosis: accuracy and reproducibility
IRAS ID
73137
Contact name
Nicholas J Screaton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) occurs in 1 of 2500 live births, and is the most common fatal genetic disorder. The disorder involves malfunction of several organ systems, but lung disease is the principal cause of the severely reduced life expectancy. Irreversible lung damage and respiratory failure result from repeated and eventually chronic lung infections, which are caused by an inability to clear inhaled bacteria that manifests in childhood. Despite improved treatments, average life expectancy is only 37 years.\n\nTreatment of chronic and acute deteriorations in lung function in CF is directed by clinical tests. The optimal test is high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), which is very sensitive to even subtle lung changes. There are, unfortunately, important concerns about exposing this young population to the high doses of ionising radiation involved in repeated HRCT. Therefore, tests that are less sensitive to subtle or regional changes are routinely used, including pulmonary function tests and CXR. A more sensitive way of detecting subtle lung disease without exposing the individual to radiation is crucial in order to improve outcomes, and the radiation free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been indicated to be a better tool that provides valuable structural and functional information. \n\nThis study compares MRI to HRCT and CXR in CF, with the aim to confirm MRI as a valuable tool that may facilitate more targeted and timely treatment with the benefit of improving life expectancy. The study is open to individuals with CF over 18 years who are referred for routine HRCT, and they will in addition to the HRCT undergo two MRI studies (performed within one week) and one CXR. A group of healthy volunteers of the same age will also be recruited (for one MRI). The study is performed at and funded by Papworth Hospital, Cambridgeshire.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EE/0401
Date of REC Opinion
27 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion