Hyperpolarized helium-3 magnetic resonance lung imaging of non-sedated infants and young children: a proof-of-concept study

Purpose To develop and evaluate a protocol for hyperpolarized helium-3 (HHe) ventilation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lungs of non-sedated infants and children. Materials and methods HHe ventilation MRI was performed on seven children ≤ 4 years old. Contiguous 2D–spiral helium-3 images were acquired sequentially with a scan time of ≤ 0.2 s/slice. Results Motion-artifact–free, high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) images of lung ventilation were obtained. Gas was homogeneously distributed in healthy individuals; focal ventilation defects were found in patients with respiratory diseases. Conclusion HHe ventilation MRI can aid assessment of pediatric lung disease even at a young age.