MRI of the lungs using hyperpolarized noble gases

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Abstract
The nuclear spin polarization of the noble gas isotopes 3He and 129Xe can be increased using optical pumping methods by four to five orders of magnitude. This extraordinary gain in polarization translates directly into a gain in signal strength for MRI. The new technology of hyperpolarized (HP) gas MRI holds enormous potential for enhancing sensitivity and contrast in pulmonary imaging. This review outlines the physics underlying the optical pumping process, imaging strategies coping with the nonequilibrium polarization, and effects of the alveolar microstructure on relaxation and diffusion of the noble gases. It presents recent progress in HP gas MRI and applications ranging from MR microscopy of airspaces to imaging pulmonary function in patients and suggests potential directions for future developments. Magn Reson Med 47:1029–1051, 2002.
Funding Information
  • NIH (NHLBI RO1 HL 55348, NCRR P41 RR05959, NHLBI 1 R01 HL 66479)
  • DFG (supporter of the Mainz helium project)
  • European Commission(COPHIT, PHIL)
  • Max Planck Society
  • Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
  • DAAD
  • Nycomed Amersham
  • Whitaker Foundation