Abstract #0197

Simultaneous Imaging of Ventilation Distribution and Gas Exchange in the Human Lung Using Hyperpolarized Xe129 MRI

John P. Mugler, III¹, Talissa A. Altes¹, Iulian C. Ruset^2,3, Isabel M. Dregely², Jaime F. Mata¹, G Wilson Miller¹, Stephen Ketel³, Jeffrey Ketel³, F William Hersman^2,3, Kai Ruppert¹

¹Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; ²Physics, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States; ³Xemed, LLC, Durham, NH, United States

This work demonstrates the feasibility of using MRI of hyperpolarized Xe129 to acquire images in a single, short breath-hold period that simultaneously depict ventilation distribution and gas exchange in the human lung with matched spatial resolution. The method presents new opportunities for quantifying relationships among gas delivery, exchange and transport, and shows significant potential to provide new insights into lung disease.