K-Space Correction of Rapid Hyperpolarized Signal Decay-induced Image Distortion in Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic MRI

Motivation: Substantial hyperpolarized 13C MRI signal changes during k-space data sampling leads to distortions of spatial information after inverse Fourier transformation. Goal(s): We aim to cancel the effect of rapid hyperpolarized 13C signal decay and improve the accuracy of spatial information in hyperpolarized 13C chemical shift imaging (CSI). Approach: Effect of rapid decay of hyperpolarized 13C signal on k-space was mathematically estimated and inversely corrected during the CSI image reconstruction. Results: Effect of rapid decay of hyperpolarized 13C signal on k-space was mathematically estimated and inversely corrected during the CSI image reconstruction. Impact: Rapid hyperpolarized 13C MRI signal decay during k-space data sampling causes significant distortion of spatial distribution of metabolites, which can be successfully corrected in the post-processing by considering additional the effect of the magnetic field gradients on the decay.