[The effect of nutritional status on the 31P MR spectrum of the normal liver]

Previous investigations in animal and human liver spectroscopy revealed a strong effect of metabolic activity on the 31P-spectra of the liver. This study examined the influence of a standardised meal on the liver spectra of healthy volunteers. The measurements were performed at 1.5 T (Magnetom, Siemens). The results show that the metabolic condition has a strong effect on the 31P MR liver spectra. The changes are of the same order of magnitude as those described in spectra of focal or diffuse liver diseases. This indicates that identical metabolic conditions are necessary for measuring liver spectra of volunteers and patients, especially in follow-ups.