Hyperpolarized Gas MR Imaging Technique and Applications

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