Multi-Parameter Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Cervix

The aim of this study is to examine cervix-adapted versions of steady-state multi-parameter MRS (SMP MRS) and flip-angle-corrected multi-parameter MRS (CMP MRS), comparing estimated cervix T1_w and T2_w for the two sequences. CMP MRS and SMP MRS were adapted from liver versions of the sequences, adding long TR acquisitions to better estimate cervix T1_w. CMP MRS differs from SMP MRS by correcting for inaccurate B1 calibration. Both CMP MRS and SMP MRS were acquired at 3 T in 13 adult female subjects (10 healthy, 3 with cancer). Values of T1_w and T2_w were estimated from both sequences, and the relationship between the values was examined. While there was no significant difference in T1_w given by the two sequences (CMP T1_w = 1568 ms, SMP T1_w = 1571 ms, p = 0.95; SMP T1_w = 0.657 CMP T1_w + 541 ms, r = 0.36), there was a single case where SMP MRS underestimated T1_w by over 400 ms. A significant difference was observed in T2_w (CMP T2_w = 39.9 ms, SMP T2_w = 45.6 ms, p = 0.001; SMP T2_w = 0.812 CMP T2_w + 13.3 ms, r = 0.87). Cervix adapted CMP MRS and SMP MRS both successfully estimated values of T1_w and T2_w, though the single case where SMP MRS gave a non-physical T1_w suggests CMP MRS may be better suited for cervix T1_w estimation.