Fast monitoring of T₁, T₂, and relative proton density (M₀) changes in skeletal muscles using an IR‐TrueFISP sequence

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of fast and simultaneous assessment of T(1) , T(2) , and M(0) (relative proton density) changes in skeletal muscle studies using an inversion recovery true fast imaging with steady-state precession (TrueFISP) sequence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NMR signal dynamics in calf muscles were analyzed under four different conditions: intravenous injection of a low-molecular weight Gd contrast agent (CA), postarterial occlusion reactive hyperemia, local cooling, and an exercise bout. Experiments were conducted on a clinical 3T whole-body scanner. RESULTS: At rest, average muscle T(1) and T(2) values obtained from the IR-TrueFISP experiments were 1.34 ± 0.13 seconds and 45 ± 5 msec, respectively (median ± standard deviation). 1) Noticeable T(1) decreases (ΔT(1) max ≈-30%) were measured in the calf muscles after CA injection, while no significant changes were observed for T(2) and M(0) . 2) T(2) increased rapidly during reactive hyperemia and reached a peak value (+6%) at about 1 minute postischemia. During ischemia, a significant decrease was observed only in the soleus muscle. No significant paradigm-related changes in M(0) and T(1) were noted in all muscle groups, except in the m. soleus (ΔT(1) ≈+1% during reactive hyperemia). 3) Opposite variations in muscle T(1) (ΔT(1) max ≈-30%) and M(0) (ΔM(0) max ≈+25%) associated with local cooling were detected. 4) Concomitant changes in T(1) (ΔT(1) max ≈+15%), T(2) (ΔT(2) max ≈+35%), and M(0) (ΔM(0) max ≈+16%) were observed in the activated muscles following the exercise bout. CONCLUSION: IR-TrueFISP was sufficiently fast and sensitive to detect small and transient T(1) , T(2) , and M(0) changes in the calf muscles under different experimental conditions. The sequence offers a time-resolution adequate to track rapid physiological adaptations in skeletal muscle.