Rationale and objectives: 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.
Materials and 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.
Conclusion: 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.