Nouvelles méthodes d'imagerie de la ventilation

Lung imaging is no longer restricted to morphologic and static evaluation. Substantial advances have recently been made allowing non-invasive assessment of alveolar ventilation. Radio-isotopic imaging now offers the possibility of three-dimensional quantification of regional radioactivity, with excellent sensitivity far beyond any other imaging techniques. Development of new non-radioactive tracers has recently extended the field of ventilation imaging to computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, allowing data acquisition with increased spatial resolution. Finally, ventilation imaging at the bedside is now available for ICU patients with electrical impedance tomography. This review will then discuss respective advantages and methodological limitations of these new imaging technologies, with respect to lung ventilation and ventilation-perfusion ratios.