In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Methods for Investigating Cardiac Metabolism

Abstract

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive and non-ionizing technique, enabling in vivo investigation of cardiac metabolism in normal and diseased hearts. In vivo measurement tools are critical for studying mechanisms that regulate cardiac energy metabolism in disease developments and to assist in early response assessments to novel therapies. For cardiac MRS, proton (1H), phosphorus (31P), and hyperpolarized 13-carbon (13C) provide valuable metabolic information for diagnosis and treatment assessment purposes. Currently, low sensitivity and some technical limitations limit the utility of MRS. An essential step in translating MRS for clinical use involves further technological improvements, particularly in coil design, improving the signal-to-noise ratios, field homogeneity, and optimizing radiofrequency sequences. This review addresses the recent advances in metabolic imaging by MRS from primarily the literature published since 2015.

MRI Application and Challenges of Hyperpolarized Carbon-13 Pyruvate in Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Studies: A Literature Review

“…Gyromagnetic Ratios γ (MHz/T) Natural Abundance (%) Cardiac MRS allows in vivo detection and quantification of myocardial metabolism [6]. 1 H spectroscopy enables the identification of creatine, triglycerides and lipids.…”

Multinuclear MRI in Drug Discovery

“…The use of hyperpolarized 13 C and 31 P MRS has contributed significantly to the understanding of glucose and phospholipid metabolism [ 53 ]. In addition, multi-MRS is being used for cardiac studies, the use of 1 H, 13 C and 31 P provides a wealth of metabolic information for accurate diagnosis and treatment [ 54 ]. Hyperpolarized 13 C MRI has the potential to assess tissue redox status, oxidative stress, and inflammation and cellular metabolism [ 55 ].…”