| Approved on: | 2025-05-14 |
| Brief purpose of the study: | Although asthma is often thought of as a disease of the airways, there is increasing evidence that the pulmonary vasculature may play an important role in disease presentation and control. Hyperpolarized 129Xe (Xenon) Lung MRI is a technique in which quantitative maps reflecting ventilation, perfusion and gas exchange can be produced thereby providing the needed information for investigation of vascular function in lungs. We hypothesize that the vascular component of asthma can be directly quantified using hyperpolarized 129Xe providing a direct measurement of regional vascular function and potentially introducing a new target for management which may improve outcomes. |
| Brief summary of what participants will be asked to do: | This study includes 2 separate visits that will occur 1-4 weeks apart. Each study visit will last approximately 3-4 hours, and will include hyperpolarized 129Xe Lung MRI (before and after receiving the bronchodilator albuterol or the vasodilator sildenafil), pulmonary function testing (breathing tests), and completion of lung disease-related questionnaires. |
| Basic eligibility criteria: | Age 18-35 years old, or age 45 and older
Diagnosed with mild, moderate or severe asthma – or no history of lung disease (healthy controls)
Must be at clinical baseline/be clinically stable |
| Study contact for more information: | Radiology Research Study Coordinators: umhsradstudycoordinators@health.missouri.edu |
| IRB Number: | 2123106 MU |
