A pulse sequence for hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR based on accumulated stimulated echoes has been implemented. Pairs of 90° pulses are repeatedly irradiated at the frequency of 129Xe in tissue-plasma and the decaying signal transferred to the gas phase is subsequently acquired. A study with healthy volunteers and patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been performed to assess the method’s sensitivity for disease. A significant reduction of initial stimulated echo signal and trend for faster decay are observed in COPD. The proposed method has been demonstrated to be highly sensitive for emphysema and hyperinflation and shows promising diagnostic potential.
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