Detection and localization of pulmonary air leaks using laser-polarized He-3 MRI

Pulmonary air leaks were created in the lungs of Yorkshire pigs, Dynamic, 3 D MRI of laser-polarized He-3 gas was then performed using a gradient-echo pulse sequence. Coronal magnitude images of the helium distribution were ac quired during gas inhalation with a voxel resolution of approximately 1.2 x 2.5 x 8 mm, and a time resolution of 5 sec. In each animal, the ventilatio n images reveal focal high-signal intensity within the pleural cavity at th e site of the air leaks. In addition, a wedge-shaped region of increased pa renchymal signal intensity was observed adjacent to the site of the air lea k in one animal. 3He MRI may prove helpful in the management of patients wi th pulmonary air leaks. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.