Skip to main content
Fig. 3 | Respiratory Research

Fig. 3

From: Perfusion imaging heterogeneity during NO inhalation distinguishes pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from healthy subjects and has potential as an imaging biomarker

Fig. 3

Perfusion-height maps for PAH subjects and controls. The greatest perfusion heterogeneity, including the largest range of perfusion values at any given height, was present in PAH subjects, followed by controls. The vertical gradient in perfusion (represented by the slope of the black-and-white dashed line) increased in magnitude in controls but not PAH subjects breathing O2 + iNO. In contrast to controls, several PAH subjects had no vertical gradient in perfusion in the lower or dependent part of the lung (dorsal in the supine position), as if the hydrostatic pressure, which increases towards the dependent regions, had no effect on perfusion. Surprisingly, there was no substantial fraction of voxels with very low or zero perfusion in any PAH subject, suggesting there was no severe or complete obstruction of blood vessels. The only confirmed responder of the PAH group is shown in the second row

Back to article page

Respiratory Research

ISSN: 1465-993X

Contact us