Early detection of lung gas-exchange problems using xenon MRI
Early Detection of Changes in Pulmonary Gas Exchange by Hyperpolarized Xe MRI
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11167453
A quick xenon MRI scan is being developed to find early problems with how the lungs move oxygen into the blood in people with breathlessness, including long COVID.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11167453 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would breathe a small, safe amount of hyperpolarized xenon gas and lie in an MRI scanner while the team captures 3D pictures of how gas moves from your airways into your lungs and bloodstream. The scan maps transfer of gas into lung tissue and red blood cells to look for causes of shortness of breath such as pulmonary vascular problems, low oxygen, or membrane damage. Researchers also measure heartbeat-related changes and blood oxygen effects to help tell whether symptoms come from blood vessels, lung tissue, or both. Their long-term goal is a five-minute, comprehensive exam that reveals treatable causes of dyspnea.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with unexplained shortness of breath — including people with long COVID, suspected pulmonary hypertension, or interstitial lung disease — who can undergo MRI.
Not a fit: People without breathing symptoms, those who cannot have an MRI (for example due to certain metal implants, severe claustrophobia, or pregnancy), or those with clearly diagnosed, unrelated causes of breathlessness may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a fast, noninvasive scan to pinpoint causes of shortness of breath and help guide quicker, targeted treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Early research with hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI has shown promising ability to map lung gas exchange, but the approach remains mainly experimental and not yet part of routine clinical care.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DRIEHUYS, BASTIAAN — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DRIEHUYS, BASTIAAN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.