University of Virginia Health System

James R. Brookeman, Ph.D. Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Eng. Director of Magnetic Resonance Research and Hyperpolarized Noble Gas Facility Box 801339 University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA 22908   e-mail: jrb5m@virginia.edu

Education

B.Sc. (Honors), Physics, St. Andews University, Scotland, 1964

Ph.D., Physics, St. Andews University, Scotland, 1968

Research Interests:

Our research seeks to improve methods of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional magnetic resonance image acquisition for diagnosis and for the planning and development of specialized radiofrequency coils for improved imaging used in surgery. The Department of Radiology’s research laboratory is equipped with a 1.5 Tesla whole-body MR scanner with improved gradients which permit cardiac and neurological studies brain imaging.

Since 1996 we have pursued research in Hyperpolarized Noble Gas MR as well, employing laser-polarized Helium-3 and Xenon-129 to study lung ventilation, virtual colonoscopy, and tissue perfusion. At this time we are investigating a series of asthma and COPD subjects to evaluate the clinical potential of this new lung imaging technique.

Current Projects:

• Development of spin echo-based, single-slab techniques for producing three dimensional magnetic resonance images of the human brain.

• Development of fast and ultra-fast imaging with hyperpolarized gases.

• Diverse studies of lung anatomy and physiology using hyperpolarized He-3, Xe-129 imaging and spectroscopy in animal models.

Recent and Representative Publications:

Salerno M, Altes TA, Brookeman JR, de Lange EE, Mugler III JP. Dynamic spiral MR imaging of pulmonary gas flow using hyperpolarized 3He: Preliminary studies in healthy and diseased lungs. Magn Reson Med 2002 (in Press).

Salerno M, de Lange EE, Altes TA, Truwit JD, Brookeman JR, Mugler III JP.Hyperpolarized 3He diffusion MRI of the lungs in emphysema: Comparison with pulmonary function tests --Initial experience. Radiology 2002; 222:252-260.