Colloquium: hyperpolarised 129Xe MRI for functional imaging of the lungs

Prof Jim Wild

Professor of Magnetic Resonance Physics/NIHR Research Professor in Pulmonary Imaging at The University of Sheffield

My research focus is the physics and engineering and clinical applications of MR imaging of hyperpolarised gases and protons in the lungs.

MR physics and engineering projects include:

• Spin exchange optical pumping physics for polarisation of 129Xe.
• RF coil hardware engineering for 3He and 129Xe MRI.
• Rapid acquisition methods for imaging of inhaled hyperpolarised gases –radial, compressed sensing, steady state free precession and parallel imaging.
• Techniques for simultaneous imaging of 1H, 3He and 129Xe in the lungs.
• 3He and 129Xe MRI at different magnetic field strengths.
• Measuring and modelling lung physiology and microstructure.
• 1H lung MR methods for imaging the lungs and pulmonary vascular disease.

These technical developments have made a clinical impact, we have performed the first clinical studies in the UK with hyperpolarised 3He and 129Xe gas lung MRI. Our research has demonstrated the role of these pulmonary MRI methods in Asthma, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Interstitial Lung Disease, Lung cancer and Pulmonary Hypertension. Using hyperpolarised gas and proton lung MRI as markers we are evaluating novel pulmonary therapies in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies. Our pulmonary methods have made a clinical impact, in 2015 we established Sheffield as the first centre internationally to translate hyperpolarised gas MRI to diagnostic clinical practice in the NHS.