Magnetic resonance imaging using hyperpolarized 3He-Gas.
OBJECTIVE
Current imaging procedures of the lung concentrate on visualization of morphology. Computed tomography is the imaging method of choice for the majority of pulmonary diseases. Functional data are commonly obtained from arterial blood gas analysis, spirometry, and body plethysmography, which all suffer from lack of regional information.


METHODS
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lung has been advanced recently by the use of hyperpolarized 3He as a new contrast mechanism. Four different image acquisition modes are performed during a typical patient study.


RESULTS
3He-MRI yields functional information about the lung with a high spatial and temporal resolution, avoiding the risks of ionizing radiation. The method is currently limited by high costs and restricted availability of the gas.


CONCLUSIONS
In this article, the experience obtained at the University of Mainz, being Europe's most experienced center performing 3He-MRI in humans, is reviewed against the international background.
Kliniks fuer Radiologie and Anaesthesiologie, Klinikum Universitaet Mainz, Germany.
Klaus Kurt
KK
Gast
Balthasar
B
Eberle
Jörg
J
Schmiedeskamp
Hans-Ulrich
HU
Kauczor
D003287:Contrast Media; D006371:Helium; D006801:Humans; D007554:Isotopes; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation
D003287:Contrast Media; D007554:Isotopes; D006371:Helium