Hyperpolarized Xe multi-slice imaging of the human brain using a 3D gradient echo pulse sequence.

Purpose: To demonstrate the possibility of performing multi-slice in-vivo human brain MRI using hyperpolarized (HP) xenon-129 ( Xe) in two different orientations and to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Methods: Two healthy female participants were imaged during a single breath-hold of HP Xe using a Philips Achieva 3.0T MRI scanner (Philips, Andover, MA).

The effects of an initial depolarization pulse on dissolved phase hyperpolarized Xe brain MRI.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of an initial 90° depolarization RF pulse on the dissolved-phase hyperpolarized (HP) xenon-129 ( Xe) brain imaging and to compare the SNR variability of HP Xe images acquired without an initial depolarization RF pulse to those following the initial depolarization pulse.

Methods: Five cognitive normal healthy volunteers were imaged using a Philips Achieva 3.0T MRI scanner during a single breath-hold following inhalation of 1 L of HP Xe.

Inhaled Xenon Washout as a Biomarker of Alzheimer's Disease.

Biomarkers have the potential to aid in the study of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); unfortunately, AD biomarker values often have a high degree of overlap between healthy and AD individuals. This study investigates the potential utility of a series of novel AD biomarkers, the sixty second Xe retention time, and the xenon washout parameter, based on the washout of hyperpolarized Xe from the brain of AD participants following inhalation. The xenon washout parameter is influenced by cerebral perfusion, T1 relaxation of xenon, and the xenon partition coefficient, all factors influenced by AD.