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To evaluate lung water density at three different levels of lung inflation in normal lungs using a fast gradient echo sequence developed for rapid imaging.

Ten healthy volunteers were imaged with a fast gradient echo sequence that collects 12 images alternating between two closely spaced echoes in a single 9‐s breathhold. Data were fit to a single exponential to determine lung water density and T. Data were evaluated in a single imaging slice at total lung capacity (TLC), functional residual capacity (FRC), and residual volume (RV). Analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to statistically evaluate changes in T and lung water density across lung volumes, imaging plane, and spatial locations in the lung.

In normal subjects (n = 10), T (and [lung density/water density]) was 1.2 ± 0.1 msec (0.10 ± 0.02), 1.8 ± 0.2 ms (0.25 ± 0.04), and 2.0 ± 0.2 msec (0.27 ± 0.03 …