Hyperpolarized 3-helium magnetic resonance imaging to probe lung function.

Understanding pulmonary pathophysiology has increasing implications for imaging modalities. Although it was sufficient to perform high-resolution computed tomography in the past, the impetus now is on providing quantitative and functional lung data. Magnetic resonance imaging, which was traditionally difficult to perform in the lungs, has developed into a promising technology. One of the main areas of interest is the use of hyperpolarized noble gases, such as 3-He and 129-Xe, which enable high-definition lung imaging that includes information on lung microstructure. It is possible to obtain three-dimensional information on essential pulmonary processes, such as ventilation, oxygen uptake, and spirometry, which offers new insight into lung pathophysiology. This article focuses on the novel aspects of hyperpolarized 3-He magnetic resonance imaging.