Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MR Imaging of the Lung: E-cigarette Sub-study

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand the effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) on healthy young adult lungs. Despite being marketed as a "less harmful" option than traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes may cause lung and vascular problems similar to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study explores these impacts due to the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among youth and concerns about their addictive and long-term health effects. The study uses a specialized imaging method called hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI (HXeMRI) to measure lung function in detail. This technique can capture airflow, gas uptake by lung tissue, and blood flow within the lungs in a single breath-hold, providing precise regional information that traditional tests cannot. Participants will undergo two visits involving lung function tests, questionnaires, physical exams, blood and urine samples, and the HXeMRI scan to assess and compare lung physiology between e-cigarette users and non-smokers. Participants will spend up to four hours in the first visit for consent, surveys, lung tests, and sample collection. The second visit, within 2 to 12 weeks, repeats key tests to check consistency over time. Researchers will analyze MRI data alongside clinical measurements to evaluate lung tissue integrity, gas exchange efficiency, and capillary blood flow. The study aims to improve understanding of lung health effects related to e-cigarette use with high-resolution imaging and detailed clinical assessments.

Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MR Imaging of the Lung