Multiparametric Metabolic Imaging of Leukoencephalopathy at 7T: A Case Study

Motivation: Standard structural MR imaging techniques are not able to provide information on the metabolic state of white matter lesion. Specialized imaging techniques such as NOE and GluCEST can complement these conventional images by leveraging larger chemical shifts at 7T. Goal(s): To observe potential NOE and GluCEST contrast differences in a leukoencephalopathy patient at 7T. Approach: GluCEST and NOE images were acquired at 7T. NOE experimental z-spectral data was fit with multi-pool Lorentzian fitting to produce five individual pool fits. Results: DS, MT, and rNOE differentiated white matter changes as well as GluCEST changes in the gray matter in a leukoencephalopathy patient. Impact: This method of ultra-high field MR imaging for patients with demyelinating conditions can provide complementary metabolic information to standard structural imaging that, when tracked longitudinally, can yield improved diagnostic outcomes and understanding of disease mechanism for this patient population.