Hyperpolarized Gas Imaging in Lung Diseases: Functional and Artificial Intelligence Perspective

Abstract

Pathophysiologic changes in lung diseases are often accompanied by changes in ventilation and gas exchange. Comprehensive evaluation of lung function cannot be obtained through chest X-ray and computed tomography. Proton-based lung MRI is particularly challenging due to low proton density within the lung tissue. In this review, we discuss an emerging technology--hyperpolarized gas MRI with inhaled ¹²⁹Xe, which provides functional and microstructural information and has the potential as a clinical tool for detecting the early stage and progression of certain lung diseases. We review the hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe MRI studies in patients with a range of pulmonary diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, radiation-induced lung injury and interstitial lung disease, and the applications of artificial intelligence were reviewed as well.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Hyperpolarized gas imaging; Lung diseases; Magnetic resonance imaging; Xenon-129.