MR virtual colonography using hyperpolarized (3)He as an endoluminal contrast agent: demonstration of feasibility.

Hyperpolarized gas MR virtual colonography was performed in plastic phantoms and in the dog colon. (3)He was laser polarized in a prototype commercial system. 2D and 3D gradient echo sequences were used to image the noble gas-filled structures. The hyperpolarized (3)He within the plastic tube and colon lumen produced high signal, providing excellent contrast from the surrounding structures. The virtual colonoscopic analysis of the canine dataset allowed visualization of the colonic features and the colonic wall from inside the colon. (3)He colonoscopy is a novel technique to visualize the colon with MRI with the application of an inert gaseous endoluminal contrast agent.