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3 He lung imaging in an open access, very‐low‐field human magnetic resonance imaging system
Author(s) -
Mair R. W.,
Hrovat M. I.,
Patz S.,
Rosen M. S.,
Ruset I. C.,
Topulos G. P.,
Tsai L. L.,
Butler J. P.,
Hersman F. W.,
Walsworth R. L.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.20456
Subject(s) - magnetic resonance imaging , supine position , magnet , orientation (vector space) , physics , nuclear magnetic resonance , electromagnet , magnetic field , laser , optics , medicine , radiology , mathematics , geometry , quantum mechanics
The human lung and its functions are extremely sensitive to gravity; however, the conventional high‐field magnets used for most laser‐polarized 3 He MRI of the human lung restrict subjects to lying horizontally. Imaging of human lungs using inhaled laser‐polarized 3 He gas is demonstrated in an open‐access very‐low‐magnetic‐field (<5 mT) MRI instrument. This prototype device employs a simple, low‐cost electromagnet, with an open geometry that allows variation of the orientation of the imaging subject in a two‐dimensional plane. As a demonstration, two‐dimensional lung images were acquired with 4‐mm in‐plane resolution from a subject in two orientations: lying supine and sitting in a vertical position with one arm raised. Experience with this prototype device will guide optimization of a second‐generation very‐low‐field imager to enable studies of human pulmonary physiology as a function of subject orientation. Magn Reson Med 53:745–749, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.