Hyperpolarized 129Xe MR Imaging of the Lung Function in Healthy Volunteers and Subjects With Pulmonary Disease
The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the usefulness of MRI using 129Xe gas for regional assessment of pulmonary function. Specifically, three forms of 129Xe MRI contrast will be the investigators focus - 1) imaging of the 129Xe ventilation distribution, 2) imaging the alveolar microstructure via the 129Xe apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and 3) imaging 129Xe that dissolves in the pulmonary blood and tissues upon inhalation. Such imaging of 129Xe gas transfer is expected to be uniquely sensitive to pathologies affecting gas exchange (fibrosis, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension) and provide new insights regarding the normal resting heterogeneity of pulmonary gas exchange.
• Subject has no diagnosed pulmonary conditions
• Subject has not smoked in the previous 5 years.
• Smoking history, if any, is less than or equal to 5 pack-years.
• Subject has a diagnosis of pulmonary dysfunction made by a physician
• No acute worsening of pulmonary function in the past 30 days