Pulmonary functional imaging using hyperpolarized noble gas MRI: six years of start-up experience at a single site
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2013
Journal
Academic Radiology
Volume
20
Issue
11
First Page
1344
Last Page
1356
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2013.02.020
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: In this review, we summarize our experience evaluating pulmonary function in 330 different subjects using hyperpolarized noble gas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after enrollment and screening of >1100 subjects with and without respiratory disease during the period February 1, 2006, through November 1, 2012.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We discuss the feasibility of hyperpolarized gas MRI research in a small nonhospital research unit and provide an overview of our experience since we initiated patient-based studies. We also discuss the importance of infrastructure support, collaboration, research trainees, and a large and willing patient population that helped to advance the research and technological deliverables. A summary of patient safety and tolerability, key feasibility, and research milestones is provided, as well as a roadmap for future studies.
RESULTS: Hyperpolarized (3)He and (129)Xe gas MRI is feasible at smaller centers without significant human resources for large and small longitudinal studies by virtue of its excellent patient safety and tolerability, the speed with which images can be acquired and quantitatively analyzed and the high spatial-temporal dynamics of the method that allows for acute and chronic therapy studies.
CONCLUSIONS: The hyperpolarized noble gas MRI community's highly collaborative efforts and motivation to further the development and application of this tool has resulted in a moment-of-opportunity to translate the method clinically to provide an improved understanding of pulmonary disease. There are, as well, new and unprecedented opportunities for the evaluation of disease progression and to help develop the new treatments and interventions critically required for chronic pulmonary disease.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Notes
This is an author-accepted manuscript of an article initially published by Elsevier. Final published version is available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2013.02.020