Quantitative Measure of Lung Structure and Function Obtained from Hyperpolarized Xenon Spectroscopy

Our research focuses on using hyperpolarizing on 129 MRI technology to assess pulmonary function and to investigate lung diseases. The main objective is to see how this imaging technique can lead to better detection, understanding, and tracking of different lung conditions. Most hyperpolarized lung MR imaging is performed during a breath hold.

We believe that pulmonary function quantified under such an artificial condition, may not fully reflect gas exchange during regular respiration. And we are testing new free breathing measurements that do not require any breath hold. Current challenges include the optimization of the CSSR acquisition technique for consistency and accuracy in the face of physiological variation and patient compliance.