Hyperpolarized Gas MR Imaging: Technique and Applications

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2015 May;23(2):217-29. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2015.01.003.

Abstract

Functional imaging offers information more sensitive to changes in lung structure and function. Hyperpolarized helium ((3)He) and xenon ((129)Xe) MR imaging of the lungs provides sensitive contrast mechanisms to probe changes in pulmonary ventilation, microstructure, and gas exchange. Gas imaging has shifted to the use of (129)Xe. Xenon is well-tolerated. (129)Xe is soluble in pulmonary tissue, which allows exploring specific lung function characteristics involved in gas exchange and alveolar oxygenation. Hyperpolarized gases and (129)Xe in particular stand to be an excellent probe of pulmonary structure and function, and provide sensitive and noninvasive biomarkers for pulmonary diseases.

Keywords: Hyperpolarized gas; Lung imaging; MR imaging; Pulmonary gas exchange; Pulmonary ventilation; Xenon ((129)Xe).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Helium*
  • Humans
  • Isotopes*
  • Lung / physiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Pulmonary Gas Exchange
  • Xenon Isotopes*

Substances

  • Isotopes
  • Xenon Isotopes
  • Helium