Regional lung ventilation in children via X-ray Velocimetry (XV)

We are investigating the feasibility of undertaking regional lung function imaging of children with healthy lungs, and children with CF or other chronic lung diseases, as revealed by X-ray Velocimetry (XV). This XV LVAS technology which has not been utilised in a paediatric cystic fibrosis population previously. This will be compared to CT and lung function testing which is the current gold standard of care for CF patients. This will be a single time point comparison with one set of imaging and lung function per participant. XV LAS imaging requires a series of 5 x-rays taken from different angles around the chest while the patient is breathing normally and will take about 5 minutes of imaging. X-rays are acquired over the duration of one normal breath at each position. This allows specialist software (XV LAS, 4Dmedical) to examine the CT scan with the x-ray images to show how well each lung segment is working. This provides additional information compared to CT scans, x-rays or lung function testing on their own as it shows a heat map of the lung, identifying how well regions of the lung are functioning. This additional information can help advise doctors on whether treatments such as medications and physiotherapy are working well or need to be modified as well as mapping any structural changes. Participants will be asked to attend clinic for 30 minutes for consent, a physical exam and medical history, then attend lung function for 1.5-2 hours to complete lung function testing (spirometry, lung volume, diffusing capacity) and radiology for 30 minutes for the XV LVAS x-rays. These activities can be spread across different days or correspond with other hospital appointments if necessary to reduce patient burden.