Skip to main content

Bastiaan Driehuys

Professor of Radiology
Radiology
Box 3302 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
161-B Bryan Research, 311 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Our research focuses on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research with hyperpolarized 129Xe gas. We are at at the forefront of developing this novel technology for imaging the lungs of patients with pulmonary disease. We currently have multiple, ongoing NIH and industry-sponsored studies invovling this technique. Hyperpolarization is a laser-based process that enhances the MRI signal of xenon gas by a factor of 100,000 to allow for high-resolution, non-invasive MRI of pulmonary function. In addition to our research program, this technology was recently FDA approved and efforts are underway to implement it clinically.

Current studies are applying 129Xe MRI for early diagnosis and monitoring of interstitial and pulmonary vascular diseases. Our group, which is comprised of MRI scientists and radiologists, works closely with colleagues in pulmonary medicine. Our laboratory provides research opportunities to Ph.D., Masters, and medical students as well as select undergraduate students. 

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Radiology · 2018 - Present Radiology, Clinical Science Departments
Professor of Biomedical Engineering · 2019 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering

Recent Publications


Combining hyperpolarized 129Xe MR imaging and spectroscopy to noninvasively estimate pulmonary vascular resistance.

Conference J Appl Physiol (1985) · March 1, 2025 Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI/MRS enables quantitative mapping of function in lung airspaces, membrane tissue, and red blood cells (RBCs) within the pulmonary capillaries. The RBC signal also exhibits cardiogenic oscillations that are reduced in precapillary pu ... Full text Link to item Cite

A Systematic Review of the Variability of Ventilation Defect Percent Generated From Hyperpolarized Noble Gas Pulmonary Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Journal Article J Magn Reson Imaging · February 26, 2025 Hyperpolarized (HP) gas pulmonary MR ventilation images are typically quantified using ventilation defect percent (VDP); however, the test-retest variability of VDP has not been systematically established in multi-center trials. Herein, we perform a system ... Full text Link to item Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants


Early Detection of Changes in Pulmonary Gas Exchange by Hyperpolarized Xe MRI

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2011 - 2027

Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to identify structural determinants of low lung function and respiratory symptoms in young adults from the Lung Health Cohort

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by The University of Kansas Medical Center Research Institute, Inc · 2024 - 2026

View All Grants

Education, Training & Certifications


Princeton University · 1995 Ph.D.