Single Acquisition Time-Resolved T2* Mapping in Lungs Using HYPR 3He MRI

Katarzyna Cieslar¹, Achraf Al Faraj¹, Sophie Gaillard¹, Yannick Crmillieux¹

Local T2* measurement of HP 3He in the lung can serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker of tissue microstucture changes. Standard T2* mapping protocol at different lung inflation state involves multiple gas inhalations. In this study, T2* mapping protocol combining HYPR reconstruction and spontaneous breathing ventilation was implemented. The protocol, validated on rats, was designed for single acquisition of multiple echo time ventilation images obtained at different inflation states of the lung. The variations of T2* measured at different breathing phases at tidal volume demonstrate the sensitivity of the technique for detecting changes in the 3He physical environment.