Spatial Heterogeneity of Lung Perfusion Assessed with ¹³N PET as a Vascular Biomarker in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Q(r) is significantly redistributed in COPD. Q(r) heterogeneity in COPD patients is greater than in healthy subjects, mainly because of the contribution of large lung regions and not because of changes in tissue density or V(r). The assessment of spatial heterogeneity of lung perfusion with (13)NN-saline PET may serve as a vascular biomarker in COPD.