Recently, MU Health Care has become the second hospital in the U.S. to implement xenon MRI technology for lung scans, bringing a revolutionary approach to diagnosing and treating lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, COPD, and cancer. This advanced imaging technology promises to transform the evaluation of lung diseases by providing detailed 3D images of the ventilated lung airspaces.
Unlike traditional MRI diagnostics that focus on hydrogen atoms in body tissue, xenon MRI targets hyperpolarized xenon gas. Patients inhale this non-reactive substance during the scan, which is then held in the lungs for a brief period of time, resulting in more accurate imaging of the lungs. The enhanced imaging provided by xenon MRI helps clinicians make more informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment plans for patients with lung diseases.
The adoption of xenon MRI is part of MU Health Care’s NextGen Precision Health initiative, which aims to collaborate with researchers from the University of Missouri and other universities within the UM System to advance precision health technologies for improved patient care. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like xenon MRI, MU Health Care is taking steps towards a future where patients receive more personalized and effective treatments for their lung diseases.
Dr. Zach Holliday, a pulmonologist at MU Health Care, highlights the significance of xenon MRI in helping complete the puzzle of understanding and treating lung diseases effectively. Prior to its implementation, diagnosing lung diseases was often like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. With this new technology, gaps in the diagnostic process can now be filled.
Overall, xenon MRI represents a significant advancement in the field of pulmonology and offers hope for patients with various types of lung disease. By utilizing this technology alongside other precision health tools and techniques, MU Health Care is paving the way for a more accurate and effective approach to diagnosing and treating these conditions.