Quantification of Low-Signal Metabolites in 7 T 31P Spectra of the Human Myocardium

Motivation: In cardiac 31P-CSI MRS, the signals containing 31P are important markers of myocardial health. Optimizing metabolite quantification is essential for understanding myocardial bioenergetics and related pathologies. Goal(s): The aim was to quantify an extended range of low-signal metabolites including PME, Pi, GPE, GPC, PEP, and NAD. Approach: 36 of the existing 31P-CSI MRS volunteer data at 7T were analysed using an optimized and extended prior knowledge. Results: The results, presented as chemical shift, line-width, amplitude, and their CRBs, demonstrated successful quantification of low-signal metabolites alongside with 2,3-DPG, PCr, and ATP in the same spectra, demonstrating the feasibility of quantifying these signals at 7T. Impact: The 7T cardiac 31P-CSI MRS data provide valuable insight and demonstrates that low-signal metabolite quantification is possible. Looking at these signals in patient data may add to cardiac 31P MRS and could provide new markers of myocardial health.