Hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe MR imaging of lung function is beginning to find clinical application. This must be supported by preclinical imaging in well-characterized animal models. However, this capability is limited to a few sites, often involves only 2D projections, and is often done at non-standard, low field strengths. This work demonstrates the feasibility of preclinical 129Xe MRI at 7T, using an integrated gas delivery and physiological monitoring system and customized 3D radial acquisitions. We characterize the spectral structure of 129Xe in rats and demonstrate that despite the short T2* at high field strength, 3D gas exchange imaging should be feasible.
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