Key features of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in the assessment of pulmonary ventilation
| Technique | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| H‐1 MRI: nonenhanced | Readily available; segmentation of lung volumes; assessment of respiratory mechanics. | Low contrast; ventilation imaging not feasible. |
| H‐1 MRI: Inhaled Gradoliniumchelates | Demonstrated in animals; easy to implement. | Low increase in signal; experimental technique; no experience in humans; no functional information. |
| H‐1 MRI: Oxygenenhanced | Demonstrated in patients; visualization of oxygen uptake; measurement of ratio. | Low increase in signal; difficult interpretation. |
| Helium‐3 MRI: hyperpolarized Helium‐3 | Demonstrated in patients; evaluation of airspace size; analysis of distribution of ventilation; pulmonary oxygen partial pressure. | Sophisticated ; expensive; not readily available; not approved. |
| Xenon‐129 MRI: hyperpolarized Xenon‐129 | Demonstrated in patients; evaluation of gas uptake; evaluation of ratio. | Sophisticated; low signal to noise; not readily available; not approved. |
| Fluorine‐19 MRI: fluorinated gases | Demonstrated in animals; cheap; distribution of ventilation. | No experience in humans; not readily available. |