Hyperpolarized 129Xe multi-slice imaging of the human brain using a 3D gradient echo pulse sequence

Purpose: To demonstrate the possibility of performing multi-slice in-vivo human brain MRI using hyperpolarized (HP) xenon-129 (Xe-129) in two different orientations and to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Methods: Two healthy female participants were imaged during a single breath-hold of HP Xe-129 using a Philips Achieva 3.0T MRI scanner (Philips, Andover, MA). Each HP Xe-129 multi-slice brain image was acquired during separate HP Xe-129 breath-holds using 3D gradient echo (GRE) imaging. The acquisition started 10 s after the inhalation of 1 L of HP Xe-129. Overall, four sagittal and three axial images were acquired (seven imaging sessions per participant). The SNR was calculated for each slice in both orientations. Results: The first ever HP Xe-129 multi-slice images of the brain were acquired in axial and sagittal orientations. The HP Xe-129 signal distribution correlated well with the gray matter distribution. The highest SNR values were close in the axial and sagittal orientations (19.46 +/- 3.25 and 18.76 +/- 4.94, respectively). Additionally, anatomical features, such as the ventricles, were observed in both orientations. Conclusion: The possibility of using multi-slice HP Xe-129 human brain magnetic resonance imaging was demonstrated for the first time. HP Xe-129 multi-slice MRI can be implemented for brain imaging to improve current diagnostic methods.

Automated summary

This study demonstrated the feasibility of performing multi-slice human brain MRI using HP Xe-129, showing similar SNR values and signal distribution in axial and sagittal orientations. Anatomical features such as ventricles were also observed in both orientations, indicating the potential of HP Xe-129 multi-slice MRI for improving brain imaging techniques.