Magnetic resonance imaging using hyperpolarized helium gas as a tool for the diagnosis of selected respiratory diseases

Objective

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, are of growing importance in Europe due to industrial influences, increasingly aged population and smoking habits. They can only be detected by conventional tests when already very pronounced. The project aims at validating a new non invasive method for early diagnosis, differentiation and staging of COPD: Magnetic Resonance Imaging using inhaled hyperpolarized helium 3 gas, which provides 3D anatomical images of excellent resolution, data on the dynamical function of ventilation and on airspace sizes. 9 partners from 6 countries will carry out a clinical study (150 patients, 50 volunteers), work on animal models (2 types of emphysema) and improve the methodology (production of gas, MRI techniques). The perspectives are transfer to clinics and industrial exploitation, contrast agents and drug companies, MR manufacturers).

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-7. - Chronic and degenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, cardivascular diseases and rare diseases

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE

Address

24,Rue Lhomond 24
75231 Paris
France

Participants (9)

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

France

Address

Rue Lhomond 24 Laboratoire De Physique Ens
75231 Paris

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

France

Address

Cierm Hôpital De Bicêtre, 78 Rue Du Générale Lecle
94270 Le Kremlim Bicetre

HVIDOVRE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF COPENHAGEN

Denmark

Address

30,Kettegaard Alle 30
2650 Hvidovre

JAGIELLONIAN UNIVERSITY

Poland

Address

4,Reymonta 4
30-069 Krakow

JOHANNES GUTENBERG UNIVERSITAET MAINZ

Germany

Address

7,Staudingerweg 7
55099 Mainz

UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID

Spain

Address

2,Avenida De Seneca 2, Ciudad Universitaria
28040 Madrid

UNIVERSITE CLAUDE BERNARD LYON 1

France

Address

Boulevard Du 11 Novembre 1918 43 721
69622 Villeurbanne

UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE - PARIS VI

France

Address

4,Place Jussieu 4
75252 Paris

UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

United Kingdom

Address

Western Bank
S10 2TN Sheffield