In vivo methods and applications of xenon-129 magnetic resonance

• Published in: Progress in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy 2021-02, Vol.122, p.42-62
• Main Authors: Marshall, Helen, Stewart, Neil J., Chan, Ho-Fung, Rao, Madhwesha, Norquay, Graham, Wild, Jim M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brain; Humans; Hyperpolarised 129Xe; Kidneys; Lung - diagnostic imaging; Lungs; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Xenon Isotopes
• ISSN: 0079-6565; 1873-3301; 1873-3301
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2020.11.002

[Display omitted] •Review of in vivo methods and applications of 129Xe magnetic resonance in humans.•Focus on polarisation physics, radiofrequency coil and pulse sequence design.•129Xe MRS/MRI is sensitive to lung ventilation, microstructure and gas exchange.•129Xe lung MR can detect early disease, disease progression and therapy response.•Dissolved 129Xe MR can monitor blood oxygenation, lung, brain and kidney perfusion. Hyperpolarised gas lung MRI using xenon-129 can provide detailed 3D images of the ventilated lung airspaces, and can be applied to quantify lung microstructure and detailed aspects of lung function such as gas exchange. It is sensitive to functional and structural changes in early lung disease and can be used in longitudinal studies of disease progression and therapy response. The ability of 129Xe to dissolve into the blood stream and its chemical shift sensitivity to its local environment allow monitoring of gas exchange in the lungs, perfusion of the brain and kidneys, and blood oxygenation. This article reviews the methods and applications of in vivo129Xe MR in humans, with a focus on the physics of polarisation by optical pumping, radiofrequency coil and pulse sequence design, and the in vivo applications of 129Xe MRI and MRS to examine lung ventilation, microstructure and gas exchange, blood oxygenation, and perfusion of the brain and kidneys.