Light with backlight

Scientists at the University of Sheffield, working under the guidance of Dr. Jim Wild, have developed an innovative technique that allows the patient's lungs to be illuminated from the inside using inert gases. This approach makes it possible to detect the early stages of various lung diseases, including emphysema, asthma, cancer and smoking-related pathologies.

The new approach involves the patient inhaling a small amount of harmless noble gases (helium-3 and xenon-129), hyperpolarized by the action of a laser, the power of which is increased using the optical pumping method. At the same time, magnetic resonance imaging provides high-resolution images of air cavities. This provides doctors with additional information that is not available with MRI of lungs filled with ordinary air.

The first clinical trials of the method were held at the University of Sheffield. The resulting lung images shed light on various pathological conditions and lung diseases. For example, when examining smokers, scientists were able to identify the initial symptoms of emphysema. The method also revealed early signs of lung obstruction in children with cystic fibrosis, not visible on X-rays. It is important that such examinations can be repeated as often as necessary without the risk of radiation exposure.

The authors also plan to test the possibility of using a new method to evaluate the effectiveness of inhaled asthma therapy and planning radiotherapy for lung cancer.

The authors emphasize that the possibility of detecting early signs of lung diseases should significantly increase the duration and quality of life of patients. For children with cystic fibrosis, this means choosing the optimal treatment and increasing life expectancy, and patients who quit smoking will be able to observe the improvement of their lungs.

Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of ScienceDaily

29.04.2008