Trial Information

Summary: Hyperpolarized Helium-3 MR Lung Imaging in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Patients with Lung Lesions, and Healthy Volunteers. HIC #: 8973

People with emphysema are invited to participate in a research study using a new technology to image the lung using an Investigational New Drug called hyperpolarized helium-3 gas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study is to investigative how lungs change with aging, smoking, and lung disease.

Before the MRI, you will be guided in completing a questionnaire about your medical history and any lung problems. You will undergo a chest x-ray, a physical exam, spirometry, electrocardiogram, a urine test and a blood test before the MRI. These tests, except for the chest x-ray, will be repeated immediately after the MR scan. The MRI session can be expected to be between 1 and 2 hours.

You may be eligible for this study if you have emphysema/COPD, or are scheduled for lung reduction surgery, scheduled for surgery to remove a lung tumor, a smoker without any symptom of lung disease, or a healthy non-smoker. Participants must be between 30 and 80 years old. You should not participate in this study if pregnant, or if you have any metal splinters or shards in your body or have any other reasons that would interfere with the MRI scanning.

If you would like to learn more about participating in this study, please send an e-mail message using the form below.