MR tagging of human lungs using hyperpolarized 3He gas

Purpose To evaluate the use of spin‐tagging in conjunction with hyperpolarized gas imaging for monitoring lung ventilation and gas diffusion. Methods and Materials Images were taken at 0.15 T using single shot RARE, with hyperpolarized 3He gas prepared by the metastability exchange technique. Sinusoidal modulation of the longitudinal magnetization (tag) was produced by two 90‐degree rf pulses separated by a gradient pulse. The diffusion of 3He gas in the lungs was measured by monitoring the decay of the tags. This study was conducted on a 25‐year‐old, male, healthy volunteer. Results Clear tags in hyperpolarized 3He gas both in vivo and in vitro were generated. The relative movement of the lung compared to a static, partial breath‐hold was measured following inspiration or expiration. The diffusion coefficient of 3He in the lungs was found to be 0.02 ± 0.005 cm2seconds‐1. Conclusion The spin‐tagging of hyperpolarized 3He in the lungs is possible, and allows regional lung movements to be measured following inspiration and expiration. It also allows quantification of the diffusion of the 3He gas. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2003;17:142–146. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.