System and method for using polarized or hyperpolarized contrast agent to perform parallel magnetic resonance imaging of a sample

A method for performing parallel magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) using a contrast agent which is at least one of polarizable or hyperpolarizable, comprising:

• introducing the contrast agent into a sample;
• and
• acquiring images of at least one portion of the sample at least partially contacting the contrast agent using the parallel MRI

A system for performing a parallel MRI procedure using a contrast agent which is at least one of polarizable or hyperpolarizable, comprising:

• a first arrangement capable of generating at least one magnetic signal;
• and
• a second arrangement adapted to receive at least two further signals which are associated with the at least one magnetic signal, wherein the second arrangement is capable of providing information associated with the parallel MRI procedure as a function of the at least two further signals.