Using advanced MRI to study lung health in young e-cigarette users

Dissolved Phase Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MRI: a novel biomarker to quantify pulmonary pathology in young healthy e-cigarette users

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-11130965

This study is looking at how using e-cigarettes affects lung health in young adults by using a special imaging technique to see how well their lungs are working, and it’s for healthy young people who use e-cigarettes and want to understand more about their respiratory health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11130965 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of e-cigarette use on lung health in young adults by utilizing a novel imaging technique called hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI. This method allows for detailed visualization of lung function and pathology that traditional tests may miss. The study aims to identify early signs of lung damage in healthy young e-cigarette users, providing insights into how e-cigarettes affect respiratory health. Participants will undergo imaging to assess their lung function and compare results with non-users.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults who are current e-cigarette users and have no prior history of significant lung disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or have pre-existing lung conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and early detection of lung issues caused by e-cigarette use, potentially guiding public health recommendations.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI is a novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promising results in detecting lung dysfunction in similar populations.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acute Lung InjuryAcute Pulmonary Injuryblood vessel disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.