Hyperpolarized MRI at ultra high magnetic field.

Hyperpolarized (HP) nobles gases, such as HP xenon, enable new MRI contrast to probe different structural and functional aspects of lungs in health and disease. HP xenon is also a promising contrast agent for the brain that will benefit form the ultra high magnetic field (7 Tesla) MRI system at Nottingham. New strategies with the benign (non-radioactive) HP markers are being explored at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC) to enable new contrast modalities. For example, molecular MRI is being developed at SPMIC to allow for imaging of the distribution of certain biomarker molecules in the body through specially designed biosensor molecules. SPMIC has pioneered the usage of the noble gas isotope 83Kr as a completely new HP MRI contrast agent. Nottingham’s unique expertise and capability in HP 83Kr technology and the very high field facility with the 7T whole body Scanner at SPMIC provide a unique environment at the interface between physics and medicine to advance these exciting new MRI modalities.