Comparing a new inhaled contrast agent (hyperpolarized Xenon-129) and Xenon-133 scans to find lung ventilation defects in COPD

You may qualify if

• Subjects must have a diagnosis of COPD
• At their clinical baseline on the day of imaging
• Must be clinically stable in order to participate in the study.
• COPD subjects will be categorized according to the GOLD
• Current/Former SmokerSubjects
• Must have a smoking history ≥ 10 pack years

You can't join if

• Dx of asthma
• Continuous oxygen use at home
• Blood oxygen saturation of 92% less than as measured by pulse oximetry on the day of imaging
• FEV1 percent predicted less than 25%
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Claustrophobia, inner ear implants, aneurysm or other surgical clips, metal foreign bodies in eye, pacemaker or other contraindication to MR scanning
• Subjects with any implanted device that cannot be verified as MRI compliant will be excluded
• Chest circumference greater than that of the xenon MR and/or helium coil. The circumference of the coil is approximately 42 inches
• History of congenital cardiac disease, chronic renal failure, or cirrhosis
• Inability to understand simple instructions or to hold still for approximately 10 seconds
• History of respiratory infection within 2 weeks prior to the MR scan
• History of MI, stroke and/or poorly controlled hypertension.