Simultaneous two-voxel functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the motor cortex at 7T

Motivation: Functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) shows promise in studying task-related metabolite changes but has been largely confined to single-voxel. Goal(s): To evaluate two-voxel fMRS at 7 T to measure simultaneous bilateral metabolite changes during a unilateral motor task. Approach: A modified Hadamard-encoded MRS scheme with dynamic fMRS spectral-temporal fitting for analysis was employed. Results: Distinct patterns of BOLD activation in contra- and ipsilateral VOIs were detected with significant increases in Glutamate (Glu) in either VOI during a unilateral taskImpact: We demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneous two-voxel MRS to detect bilateral glutamate changes in response to a unilateral motor task. This approach holds promise to increase our understanding of the neurochemical underpinnings of fMRI signals across interconnected brain regions.