Evaluation of venous oxygen saturation using k-space energy spectrum analysis

Motivation: OEF as a biomarker requires SvO2 quantities which can be estimated via susceptometry-based oximetry (SBO). The fundamental is based on the presence of deoxyhemoglobin which induces local field inhomogeneity. The conventional approach for SvO2 estimation via SBO utilizes the phase difference accrued over time between intra- and extravascular compartments. Goal(s): Our goal was to demonstrate an alternative for SvO2 estimation with a single-echo GRE image. Approach: In this study, the k-space energy spectrum analysis was performed to quantify k-energy displacement for field inhomogeneity mapping. Results: The preliminary result shows a comparable SvO2 value as that from the conventional approach. Impact: Susceptometry-based oximetry, based on field inhomogeneity, has become a metric for SvO2 estimation. The KESA algorithm was applied to a single-echo GRE image to map field inhomogeneity. The comparable SvO2 indicated the potential of KESA in SvO2 estimation.