Abstract Purpose: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate and its metabolites in large animal models is a powerful tool for assessing cardiac metabolism in patho-physiological conditions. In 13C studies the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) could be crucial, to overcome intrinsic data quality limitation due to the low molar concentration of certain metabolites as well as the low flux of conversion. On the other hand, since 13C-MRS is essentially a semi-quantitative technique, the SNR among the spectra acquired in different myocardial segments should be homogeneous. MR coil design plays an important role in achieving both targets. Materials and Methods: In this study, a receive 16-channels surface coil was designed for 13C hyperpolarized studies of pig heart with a clinical 3T scanner. The coil performances were characterized by phantom experiments, and compared with a birdcage coil used in transmit/receive mode. Segmental signal distribution in the left ventricle (LV) was assessed by experiments on six healthy mini pigs. Results: The proposed coil showed a significant increase in SNR in the LV wall close to the coil surface with respect to the birdcage but also a significant segmental inhomogeneity. Conclusion: The use of the 16-channel coil would be recommended in studies of septal and anterior LV walls.
16-Channel Surface Coil for 13C-Hyperpolarized Spectroscopic Imaging of Cardiac Metabolism in Pig Heart
FLORI, ALESSANDRA;LIONETTI, Vincenzo;
2016-01-01
Abstract
Abstract Purpose: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate and its metabolites in large animal models is a powerful tool for assessing cardiac metabolism in patho-physiological conditions. In 13C studies the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) could be crucial, to overcome intrinsic data quality limitation due to the low molar concentration of certain metabolites as well as the low flux of conversion. On the other hand, since 13C-MRS is essentially a semi-quantitative technique, the SNR among the spectra acquired in different myocardial segments should be homogeneous. MR coil design plays an important role in achieving both targets. Materials and Methods: In this study, a receive 16-channels surface coil was designed for 13C hyperpolarized studies of pig heart with a clinical 3T scanner. The coil performances were characterized by phantom experiments, and compared with a birdcage coil used in transmit/receive mode. Segmental signal distribution in the left ventricle (LV) was assessed by experiments on six healthy mini pigs. Results: The proposed coil showed a significant increase in SNR in the LV wall close to the coil surface with respect to the birdcage but also a significant segmental inhomogeneity. Conclusion: The use of the 16-channel coil would be recommended in studies of septal and anterior LV walls.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
