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
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 CiteA 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 CiteXenon-129 magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy detects response to therapy in pulmonary hypertension.
Journal Article Eur Respir J · February 2025 Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Early Detection of Changes in Pulmonary Gas Exchange by Hyperpolarized Xe MRI
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2011 - 2027Hyperpolarized 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 - 2026Pulmonary Structure and Function with Hyperpolarized 129Xe Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension
ResearchCo-Mentor · Awarded by American Heart Association · 2023 - 2026View All Grants