BACKGROUND: While the effects of accelerative forces on the vestibular system have been thoroughly investigated, the effects of diminished oxygen tension in the blood in cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on vestibular functions have attracted less attention. The purpose of the study was to investigate if vestibular system is affected by chronic hypoxemia in patients with COPD_._ _ ... Read more

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of noncontrast electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated fast-spin-echo (FSE) perfusion MR images for defining regional lung perfusion impairment, as compared with technetium (Tc)-99m macroaggregated albumin (MAA) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After acquisition of ECG-gated multiphase FSE MR images during cardiac cycles at selected lung levels in nine healthy volunteers, 11 patients with pulmonary ... Read more