Multi-echo single-shot EPI for hyperpolarized 13C cardiac metabolic imaging of small animals

Andreas Sigfridsson,Kilian Weiss,Michael Batel,Darach O H-Ici,Georgios Batsios,Julia Busch,Marcin Krajewski,Lukas Wissmann,Sebastian Kozerke

doi:10.1186/1532-429x-15-s1-p217

Abstract

Background Cardiac metabolic imaging based on hyperpolarized 13C-labeled pyruvate shows great potential for assessing the metabolic changes that the heart undergoes during ischemia [1]. Rodent animal models offer unique opportunities to study ischemic processes, however, methods based on spectral-spatial excitation [2] of the individual metabolites is challenging due to the large minimal slice thickness that can be achieved with available gradient systems. A thick slice introduces both signal dephasing over the slice and errors due to partial volume effects. In this work, we explore multi-echo measurements using single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) readouts for thin slice dynamic cardiac metabolic imaging of small animals.

Highlights

Cardiac metabolic imaging based on hyperpolarized 13C-labeled pyruvate shows great potential for assessing the metabolic changes that the heart undergoes during ischemia [1]
We explore multi-echo measurements using single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) readouts for thin slice dynamic cardiac metabolic imaging of small animals
A 4mm short axis slice was excited with a flip angle of 8 degrees, and a 60x60mm2 FOV was read out using a single-shot EPIreadout with a matrix of 30x30

Summary

Introduction

Cardiac metabolic imaging based on hyperpolarized 13C-labeled pyruvate shows great potential for assessing the metabolic changes that the heart undergoes during ischemia [1]. We explore multi-echo measurements using single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) readouts for thin slice dynamic cardiac metabolic imaging of small animals. Methods Healthy female Wistar rats (200g) were scanned in a 9.4T horizontal bore Bruker MRI system.

Results

Conclusion