Skeletal Muscle phosphocreatine assessment in diabetes and peripheral arterial disease with 1H MRI: a feasibility study

Motivation: Both Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are linked to impaired mitochondrial function in peripheral tissue that may precede micro-vascular disorders. Goal(s): The goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of 1H-based MRI for dynamic quantification of skeletal muscle PCr (SMPCr) concentration in vivo on a 3T clinical MRI system, in healthy controls, T2D, and PAD. Approach: Dynamic 1H-based PCr imaging was developed and evaluated in human subjects in a rest-exercise-recovery protocol, based on Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) technique. Results: Reproducibility of PCr measurement and declines in measures of mitochondria function in aging and diseases are demonstrated. Impact: The 1H MRI technique was able to measure differences in assessing mitochondrial function in people with T2D and PAD, without additional hardware. This technical development may allow early diagnosis of complications associated with various peripheral disorders.