Method for high‐resolution imaging of creatine in vivo using chemical exchange saturation transfer

F Kogan, M Haris, A Singh, K Cai… - Magnetic resonance …, 2014 - Wiley Online Library
F Kogan, M Haris, A Singh, K Cai, C Debrosse, RPR Nanga, H Hariharan, R Reddy
Magnetic resonance in medicine, 2014Wiley Online Library
Purpose To develop a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)‐based technique to
measure free creatine (Cr) and to validate the technique by measuring the distribution of Cr
in muscle with high spatial resolution before and after exercise. Methods Phantom studies
were performed to determine contributions from other Cr kinase metabolites to the CEST
effect from Cr (CrCEST). CEST, T2, magnetization transfer ratio and 31P magnetic
resonance spectroscopy acquisitions of the lower leg were performed before and after …
Purpose
To develop a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)‐based technique to measure free creatine (Cr) and to validate the technique by measuring the distribution of Cr in muscle with high spatial resolution before and after exercise.
Methods
Phantom studies were performed to determine contributions from other Cr kinase metabolites to the CEST effect from Cr (CrCEST). CEST, T2, magnetization transfer ratio and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy acquisitions of the lower leg were performed before and after plantar flexion exercise on a 7T whole‐body magnetic resonance scanner on healthy volunteers.
Results
Phantom studies demonstrated that while Cr exhibited significant CEST effect there were no appreciable contributions from other metabolites. In healthy human subjects, following mild plantar flexion exercise, increases in the CEST effect from Cr were observed, which recovered exponentially back to baseline. This technique exhibited good spatial resolution and was able to differentiate differences in muscle utilization among subjects. The CEST effect from Cr results were compared with 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy results showing good agreement in the Cr and phosphocreatine recovery kinetics.
Conclusion
Demonstrated a CEST‐based technique to measure free Cr changes in in vivo muscle. The CEST effect from Cr imaging can spatially map changes in Cr concentration in muscle following mild exercise. This may serve as a tool for the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders affecting muscle. Magn Reson Med 71:164–172, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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