Lactate imaging with Hadamard-encoded slice-selective multiple quantum coherence chemical-shift imaging.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Cancer Research
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Background:

• In vivo lactate mapping holds potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.
• The double selective multiple quantum filter technique (SelMQC) enables non-localized lactate detection with minimal signal interference.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop slice-selective lactate imaging by combining SelMQC with longitudinal Hadamard slice selection and chemical shift imaging (CSI).
• To evaluate the efficacy of this novel technique in phantoms and in vivo tumor models.

Main Methods:

• Integration of the SelMQC technique with longitudinal Hadamard slice selection and chemical shift imaging (CSI).
• Application of the developed technique to phantoms and SCID mice bearing WSU-DLCL2 xenografts.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of slice-selective lactate images.
• Demonstration of the technique's effectiveness in both phantoms and a mouse cancer model.
• Observation of an elevated lactate concentration annulus surrounding a necrotic core in tumors.

Conclusions:

• The combined SelMQC, Hadamard slice selection, and CSI technique provides effective slice-selective in vivo lactate imaging.
• This imaging approach reveals characteristic lactate distribution patterns in tumors, such as an annulus around necrotic cores.
• The technique shows promise for improving cancer staging and treatment strategies through detailed lactate mapping.