Optimizing a Clinically Feasible 31P Liver MRSI Protocol at 3T

Optimizing a clinically feasible 31P liver MRSI protocol on a 3T SIEMENS system through the lens of a diffuse fatty liver disease study. Protocol practicality is driven primarily by scan length, patient comfort, and data quality. Voluntary scanning subjects, ranging from healthy to overweight, are sourced from the university population. Both a dual-tuned, 8-channel 1H/31P phased array coil (wrapped around the whole torso) and an 11-cm-diameter flexible surface coil are available for use. Techniques, testing results, and relative advantages of either are discussed in detail, as well as the implications for each choice in a clinical setting.