hyperpolarized helium-3

Hyperpolarized helium-3 is an inhaled, non-radioactive noble gas isotope used as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lungs. The gas is hyperpolarized using spin-exchange optical pumping (SEOP) to significantly enhance its nuclear magnetic resonance signal, allowing for high-resolution, real-time visualization of lung ventilation, microstructure, and regional oxygen tension. It is primarily used in research settings to evaluate obstructive lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and emphysema, as well as to monitor lung transplant recipients for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). While generally well-tolerated, its inhalation can lead to transient oxyhemoglobin desaturation due to the displacement of oxygen in the lungs.

Brand names

MagniLium

Other names

3Hehyperpolarized 3-heliumhyperpolarized3-heliumhyperpolarized-3-heliumhyperpolarized 3He gashyperpolarized3He gashyperpolarized-3He gashelium-3helium3helium 3