Hyperpolarized 3He ADC Measurements: Left-Right and Dorsal-Ventral Differences as a Function of Lung Volume

Ahmed F. Halaweish¹, Daniel R. Thedens¹, Jered P. Sieren¹, Eric A. Hoffman¹, Edwin J.R. vanBeek¹

Hyperpolarized ³Helium MRI Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) measurements enable probing of the lung microstructure and evaluation of pathological processes that affect airspace size. We successfully evaluated ADC measurements as a function of lung volume in 12 never-smoker subjects across three different lung volumes (20%, 60% & 100%VC). Significant differences between each lung volume were observed, along with significant ventral-dorsal gradients at the 20%VC volume and a more homogenous left-right distribution at 100%VC only. Results suggest that patterns of ADC throughout the lungs in the never-smoker subjects follow proper distribution and ventilation patterns and emphasize the importance of controlled lung inflation.