PROSPECTS OF ENHANCING MRI IMAGING OF LUNGS THROUGH HYPERPOLARIZED XE-129: A REVIEW

  • Author Information

    Yash Dhamija, Yunes M.M.A. Alsayadi

    University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India

     

  • Yash Dhamija, Yunes M.M.A. Alsayadi
  • PROSPECTS OF ENHANCING MRI IMAGING OF LUNGS THROUGH HYPERPOLARIZED XE-129: A REVIEW

Abstract

Lung tissue has low proton density which makes its MRIs challenging, as well as the presence of artifacts due to cardiovascular pulsation movement and respiration and air–tissue interfaces. To make the lung MRIs feasible, the idea of using of hyperpolarized noble gases comes to the light. They lead a role that enhance nuclear polarization up to five orders of magnitude, and thus make the MRI signal higher. Hellium-3 (He-3) is the one most commonly used due to its favourable safety profile and strong signal, but its use in other applications has affected its availability. Along with Xe-129 lower cost, it has adverse effects that can be easily resolved within short time after administration. A hyperpolarized Xe-129 was approved in December 2022, by the FDA to be used with MRI for the evaluation of lung ventilation. In this review, different aspects related to Xe-129 have been discussed, including the pathophysiology of lungs, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Xe-129. Special attention is paid to various reported clinical trials of Xe-129. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the relevant databases to identify studies published in this field during recent years. Hyperpolarized Xe-129 is almost similar to non-polarized Xe-129 in its chemistry, and xenon is a clear, inert, stable, noble, colourless, monoatomic, gas. Upon inhalation, the hyperpolarized xenon 129 gas is distributed throughout the lungs. MRI, immediately following HP129Xe administration, allows for the visualization of lung structures based on the distribution pattern of the gas. This may aid in the diagnosis of certain lung abnormalities. Hyperpolarization of Xe 129 enhances NMR signals and thus improves imaging and assessment of lung function.

Keywords: COVID-19, MRI, Xe-129, FDA, etc.