Quantitative volumetric mapping of intracellular pH in the human brain at 7 T using endogenous CEST-MRI: A proof of principle study

In this study, our method for quantitative pHi mapping using endogenous CEST-MRI was successfully transferred to examinations of the human brain at B0=7T. Applicability in vivo was demonstrated in n=3 healthy volunteers, showing an overall median pHi,CEST of 7.00 and 6.96 for gray and white matter, respectively. In order to proof the plausibility of the presented approach, the obtained pHi,CEST maps were additionally validated directly in vivo via 31P MRSI at 7T, showing an overall median pHi,31P of 7.02 and 7.01 for gray and white matter, respectively. Consequently, reliable CEST-based pHi mapping is now also possible in the human brain.