Center for In-Vivo

Hyperpolarized Gas MR Imaging

Introduction

A recent development in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the use of hyperpolarized 3He and 129Xe for imaging air spaces and certain tissues in humans. Traditional MRI techniques derive images from hydrogen which is found so abundantly in the human body. However, in places such as the lungs where hydrogen is not so abundant, imaging is difficult using these techniques.
Currently, lungs are imaged using high resolution Computed Tomography and V/Q techniques. The disadvantage associated with these methods is that the patient is exposed to radiation. MRI using hyperpolarized gases is a promising option for medical imaging without the exposure to radiation associated with other methods.
 

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Dept. of Radiology Research
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Created by Jaime Mata.

Last Modified: 02/06/02
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