Sensitivity analysis of models of gas exchange for lung hyperpolarised Xe MR.

Sensitivity analysis enables the identification of influential parameters and the optimisation of model composition. Such methods have not previously been applied systematically to models describing hyperpolarised Xe gas exchange in the lung. Here, we evaluate the current Xe gas exchange models to assess their precision for identifying alterations in pulmonary vascular function and lung microstructure.

Feasibility of dynamic T *-based oxygen-enhanced lung MRI at 3T.

Purpose: To demonstrate proof-of-concept of a T *-sensitized oxygen-enhanced MRI (OE-MRI) method at 3T by assessing signal characteristics, repeatability, and reproducibility of dynamic lung OE-MRI metrics in healthy volunteers.

Methods: We performed sequence-specific simulations for protocol optimisation and acquired free-breathing OE-MRI data from 16 healthy subjects using a dual-echo RF-spoiled gradient echo approach at 3T across two institutions. Non-linear registration and tissue density correction were applied.