Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic Imaging in Human Subjects with Advanced Coronary Artery Disease: Initial Experience and Thoughts

Motivation: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) continues to be a significant health issue worldwide, necessitating enhanced diagnostic methods capable of imaging cardiac metabolism. Hyperpolarized Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (HP-13C MRI) offers a potential solution for the non-invasive evaluation of metabolism in the human heart. Goal(s): Our goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of HP-13C MRI in two human subjects with advanced CAD. Approach: By examining these subjects, we have successfully imaged metabolic abnormalities within the myocardium. Results: Our results indicate promising potential for using this technology to visualize dynamic changes in cardiac energetics associated with CAD. These findings can potentially influence the management of CAD. Impact: This study establishes HP 13C-MRI as a safe, non-invasive tool for visualizing metabolic abnormalities in CAD patients, paving the way for more precise management of ischemic heart disease and prompting further comparative research with traditional imaging methods.