Using hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to assess lung function in healthy individuals and those with lung diseases

Hyperpolarized 129Xe MR Imaging of Lung Function in Healthy Volunteers and Subjects With Pulmonary Disease

Phase 1 Interventional University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT04624490

This study is testing a special type of MRI using hyperpolarized gas to see how well it can check lung function in both healthy people and those with lung diseases like asthma and COPD.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment260 (estimated)
Ages3 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kansas City, Kansas)
Trial IDNCT04624490 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe gas MRI for assessing regional lung function in both healthy volunteers and individuals diagnosed with pulmonary diseases such as asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. Approximately 160 subjects with pulmonary conditions and 100 healthy controls will participate in this open-label study. Participants will undergo imaging on an outpatient basis, receiving multiple doses of HP 129Xe gas, along with conventional MRI scans to provide anatomical context. The study will take place at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 with diagnosed pulmonary dysfunction or healthy individuals without any pulmonary conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have contraindications for MRI, or have severe cognitive deficits may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the diagnostic capabilities for assessing lung function in patients with various pulmonary diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of hyperpolarized gas MRI is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in assessing lung function, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy Volunteers:

* Subject has no diagnosed pulmonary conditions
* Ability to read and understand English or Spanish

Subjects with Lung Disease:

* Subject has a diagnosis of pulmonary dysfunction made by a physician
* No acute worsening of pulmonary function in the past 30 days
* Ability to read and understand English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

* MRI is contraindicated based on responses to MRI screening questionnaire
* Subject is pregnant or lactating
* Subject does not fit into 129Xe vest coil used for MRI
* Subject cannot hold his/her breath for 15-16 seconds
* Subject deemed unlikely to be able to comply with instructions during imaging
* Oxygen saturation \<88% on room air or with supplemental oxygen
* Cognitive deficits that preclude ability to provide consent
* Institutionalization

Where this trial is running

Kansas City, Kansas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AsthmaCOPDInterstitial Lung DiseaseCystic FibrosisPulmonary HypertensionPulmonary InfectionOther Lung DiseaseHyperpolarized 129Xe MRI
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.