Whole-Abdomen Metabolic Imaging of Health Volunteers Using Hyperpolarized 1-13Cpyruvate MRI

Whole-abdomen imaging with hyperpolarized 13C is challenging due to B0 and B1 inhomogeneities, respiratory motion, and broad spatial coverage. There is also little baseline data about healthy metabolism in abdominal organs. We developed and describe here a reliable imaging method to overcome these challenges, enabling metabolic imaging of the entire abdomen in a series of healthy volunteers. We present observed conversation rates of HP 1-13Cpyruvate to lactate and alanine in key organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen. Methods established here set a firm foundation for investigating a broad spectrum of metabolic and neoplastic abnormalities in the liver.