Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Pulmonary Vascular Disease Using Inhaled 129Xe Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This study seeks to deploy several forms of 129Xe MRI contrast as well as emerging conventional proton MRI technqiues for imaging lung structure and perfusion. Specifically, the 129Xe MRI scans will provide 3D images of ventilation and gas exchange, and spectroscopic indices will be evaluated to test gas exchange dynamics with high temporal resolution. The conventional 1H MRI scans will include a free-breathing ultra-short echo time (UTE) scan that provides images similar to that of a CT scan. In addition, to characterize perfusion and vascular dimensions directly, patients will undergo a gadolinium-enhanced perfusion scan.