An open-source echo-planar imaging sequence for hyperpolarized 13C MRI

HP 13C MR imaging in humans has largely been restricted to GE scanners. To facilitate a human HP 13C imaging program at our institution and expand the translational potential of HP 13C MRI in general, we have developed a 3D symmetric EPI sequence for imaging HP 13C agents on Siemens scanners. Sequence development was performed using Pulseq, a flexible open-source tool for prototyping platform-agnostic pulse sequences. Metabolites were selectively excited using spectral-spatial RF pulses. Optional acceleration was achieved using partial Fourier undersampling in the slice direction. The sequence was tested using a thermally polarized phantom and a HP 1-13Cpyruvate phantom.