Pulmonary hyperpolarized noble gas MRI: recent advances and perspectives in clinical application

Eur J Radiol. 2014 Jul;83(7):1282-1291. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2014.04.014. Epub 2014 Apr 30.

Abstract

The invention of hyperpolarized (HP) noble gas MRI using helium-3 ((3)He) or xenon-129 ((129)Xe) has provided a new method to evaluate lung function. Using HP (3)He or (129)Xe for inhalation into the lung air spaces as an MRI contrast agent significantly increases MR signal and makes pulmonary ventilation imaging feasible. This review focuses on important aspects of pulmonary HP noble gas MRI, including the following: (1) functional imaging types, (2) applications for major pulmonary diseases, (3) safety considerations, and (4) future directions. Although it is still challenging to use pulmonary HP noble gas MRI clinically, the technology offers promise for the investigation of the microstructure and function of the lungs.

Keywords: (129)Xe; (3)He; Hyperpolarized noble gas; Lung ventilation image; MRI.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Forecasting*
  • Helium* / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Isotopes / administration & dosage
  • Lung / pathology*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / trends*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / administration & dosage
  • Xenon Isotopes* / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Isotopes
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Xenon Isotopes
  • Helium