Detection and localization of pulmonary air leaks using laser-polarized (3)He MRI.

Pulmonary air leaks were created in the lungs of Yorkshire pigs. Dynamic, 3D MRI of laser-polarized (3)He gas was then performed using a gradient-echo pulse sequence. Coronal magnitude images of the helium distribution were acquired during gas inhalation with a voxel resolution of approximately 1.2 x 2.5 x 8 mm, and a time resolution of 5 sec. In each animal, the ventilation images reveal focal high-signal intensity within the pleural cavity at the site of the air leaks. In addition, a wedge-shaped region of increased parenchymal signal intensity was observed adjacent to the site of the air leak in one animal. (3)He MRI may prove helpful in the management of patients with pulmonary air leaks.