Parallel Detection of MRI and 1H MRSI for Efficient Multi-Contrast Anatomical and Metabolic Imaging.

Motivation: In dedicated metabolic studies where 1H MRSI is often the major focus there is still the need for high-quality MRIs. Goal(s): To develop parallel detection methods for MRI and 1H MRSI. Approach: Through the use of frequency-selective RF pulses, the small frequency difference between water and metabolites can be utilized to acquire multi-contrast MRI and multi-metabolite MRSI data in parallel. Results: At 11.7 T, 3-4 ms frequency-selective RF pulses are sufficient to acquire T1 and T2-weighted MRIs and B0 and B1 maps in parallel with 1H MRSI without affecting the MRI quality or MRSI spectroscopic information content. Impact: Parallel detection of MRI and 1H MRSI eliminates the extra scan time inherent to standard, sequential acquisitions. The increased efficiency can be used to achieve shorter examinations in clinical or high-throughput environments or allow higher-resolution and/or additional contrast research scans.