Differences between a V/Q (Ventilation/Perfusion)
study (figure on the right), and a hyperpolarized 3He
image (figure on the left) of the same subject with diagnosed
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
As shown in these figures, the hyperpolarization technique
can determine the ventilation areas more exactly with a
better resolution and the patients do not have to breathe
a nuclear radioactive isotope gas.
Coronal images using hyperpolarized
3He gas. (Click on the image above to see the complete
volumetric study of this COPD patient).
