In vitro and in vivo SLOW-editing with 3D EPSI-readout at 3T: Proof of Principle

Motivation: Developed initially for 7T scanners, the widespread inaccessibility of such MRI systems underscores the urgent need to adapt SLOW-editing for more commonly available 3T field strengths. Goal(s): Our primary goal is to detect metabolites like 2HG, GABA, and Glx using SLOW-editing at 3T, effectively addressing water/lipid suppression challenge. Approach: We utilized symmetric and asymmetric CHEmical-shifted selective Adiabatic Pulses (CHEAP) in conjunction with a 3D Echo-Planar Spectroscopic Imaging (EPSI) readout sequence. Results: Our investigations confirm the feasibility of employing SLOW-editing in conjunction with the EPSI sequence for spectral editing of GABA+ and Glx, validated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Impact: This work demonstrates that SLOW-EPSI can be employed for spectral editing of low concentration metabolites, including 2HG, GABA and Glx, on a 3T MR scanner for 3D/whole-brain MRSI.