The emerging role of quantitative imaging in asthma

Abstract

Quantitative imaging of the lung has proved to be a valuable tool that has improved our understanding of asthma. CT, MRI, and positron emission tomography have all been utilized in asthma with each modality having its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Research has now demonstrated that quantitative imaging plays a valuable role in characterizing asthma phenotypes and endotypes, as well as potentially predicting future asthma morbidity. Nonetheless, future research is needed in order to minimize radiation exposure, standardize reporting, and further delineate how imaging can predict longitudinal outcomes. With future work, quantitative imaging may make its way into the clinical care of asthma and change our practice.