Functional lung imaging using hyperpolarized gas MRI.
The noninvasive assessment of lung function using imaging is increasingly of interest for the study of lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Hyperpolarized gas MRI (HP MRI) has demonstrated the ability to detect changes in ventilation, perfusion, and lung microstructure that appear to be associated with both normal lung development and disease progression. The physical characteristics of HP gases and their application to MRI are presented with an emphasis on current applications. Clinical investigations using HP MRI to study asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, pediatric chronic lung disease, and lung transplant are reviewed. Recent advances in polarization, pulse sequence development for imaging with Xe-129, and prototype low magnetic field systems dedicated to lung imaging are highlighted as areas of future development for this rapidly evolving technology.
Fain
Sean B
SB
Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA. sfain@wisc.edu
Korosec
Frank R
FR
Holmes
James H
JH
O'Halloran
Rafael
R
Sorkness
Ronald L
RL
Grist
Thomas M
TM
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D006371:Helium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007554:Isotopes; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005741:Noble Gases / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012449:Safety; D014979:Xenon Isotopes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D007554:Isotopes; D005741:Noble Gases; D014979:Xenon Isotopes; D006371:Helium