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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
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Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging
Published on: December 30, 2016
Fast volumetric spatial-spectral MR imaging of hyperpolarized 13C-labeled compounds using multiple echo 3D bSSFP
William H Perman1, Pratip Bhattacharya, Jochen Leupold
1Department of Radiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, PO Box 15250, St. Louis, MO 63110-0250, USA. perman@slu.edu
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
|February 23, 2010
Summary
This study introduces a fast 3D chemical shift imaging technique using multiple echo 3D balanced steady state magnetic resonance imaging (ME-3DbSSFP). This method enables noninvasive measurement of hyperpolarized (13)C-labeled compounds at low concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Metabolic Imaging
- Hyperpolarized Contrast Agents
Background:
- Noninvasive monitoring of metabolic processes is crucial in disease diagnosis.
- Hyperpolarized (13)C-labeled compounds offer enhanced sensitivity for metabolic imaging.
- Current techniques may lack the speed or resolution for detecting low-concentration metabolites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid 3D chemical shift imaging (CSI) technique.
- To enable noninvasive measurement of hyperpolarized (13)C-labeled substrates and metabolites.
- To achieve detection of compounds at low concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multiple echo 3D balanced steady state free precession (ME-3DbSSFP) imaging.
- Performed in vitro experiments with hyperpolarized [1,3,3-2H3; 1-(13)C]2-hydroxyethylpropionate (HEP) and an acetate phantom.
- Conducted in vivo studies on rats before and after HEP injection at 1.5 T.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated chemical shift images of hyperpolarized HEP in vitro and in vivo.
- Achieved isotropic 7-mm spatial resolution, 93 Hz spectral resolution, and 16-s temporal resolution.
- Imaging was sustained for over 45 seconds, demonstrating feasibility.
Conclusions:
- ME-3DbSSFP provides in vivo chemical shift imaging of hyperpolarized (13)C compounds.
- The technique offers relatively high spatial and moderate spectral resolution.
- Improved signal-to-noise ratio facilitates detection of lower concentration metabolites compared to 2D methods.
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