Functional Applications of Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI
Functional Applications of Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI
The overall objectives of our study are to determine the capabilities of hyperpolarized 129Xe
 MRI to measure lung function and its potential to sensitively detect pulmonary disease and
 its progression in COPD. We hypothesize that measurement of alveolar surface area, septal
 thickness, and capillary transit time measured with hyperpolarized 129Xe will correlate
 better with quality of life measures in COPD subjects than traditional diagnostic measures
 such as spirometry and Computed Tomography.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age 20-75

 For Healthy nonsmoker subjects:

 -  No current physician diagnosed medical disease requiring active medication

 -  No smoking history, defined as less than 100 cigarettes smoked in a lifetime

 -  Normal spirometry: FEV1/FVC ≥ 0.70, FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted

 For Subjects who have participated in the COPDGene Study

 -  Post-bronchodilator spirometry: FEV1 > 40% predicted

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  MR contraindications: e.g., electrical implants such as cardiac pacemakers,
 ferromagnetic implants such as prostheses, claustrophobia

 -  Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy

 -  Use of continuous oxygen

 -  Use of antibiotics and/or systemic corticosteroids (new prescription or increased
 dose) for an exacerbation of lung disease or any lung infection in the past four weeks

 -  Uncontrolled cancer, as defined as ongoing radiation therapy, ongoing chemotherapy

 -  A heart attack in the past three months