MRI OF HYPERPOLARIZED HE-3 GAS IN HUMAN PARANASAL SINUSES

In this study, MRI of hyperpolarized He-3 gas in human paranasal sinus es is presented, Helium images were obtained at 1.5 T, using a surface coil and a 2D, fast gradient-echo sequence with a nominal constant fl ip angle of 12 degrees, Coronal images of 20-mm thick slices were gene rated and compared with proton images of the corresponding sections. T he images enable visualization of the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity, suggesting a potential use of this method not only in identify ing the anatomical configuration of these pneumatic spaces, but also i n assessing sinus ventilation.