Repeatability of Hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate MRI Cardiac Metabolism Measurements in Humans

Motivation: Hyperpolarized (HP) 13C-pyruvate MRI is an emerging tool with the potential to provide unprecedented measurements of cardiac metabolism. Goal(s): The goal of this work was to measure the repeatability of HP 13C-pyruvate, which is important for designing clinical trials and identifying opportunities to improve the technique. Approach: Two HP 13C-pyruvate scans were performed in a single session approximately 15 minutes apart in healthy volunteers who were in the fed state. Results: We measured no statistically significant differences between scans and measured the coefficient of variance of metabolism quantifications using pharmacokinetic rate constants. Blood glucose changed between scans and can affect the metabolism measurements. Impact: These assessments of repeatability of Hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate MRI in the human heart will support the design of clinical trials and also guide where potential improvements are required to improve measurements of metabolism.