Multi-resolution hyperpolarized 13C EPI with atlas-based prescription for metabolic imaging of human gliomas

Motivation: To improve the glycolytic assessment of patients with gliomas. Goal(s): Increase the resolution of hyperpolarized 13C neuroimaging and incorporate techniques for serial monitoring of metabolism. Approach: This study implemented a multi-resolution EPI sequence with a 4-fold increase in the resolution of the metabolic probe [1-13C]pyruvate, while utilizing automatic atlas-based prescription for consistent volumetric coverage. Multi- and constant-resolution EPI acquisitions were compared in 5 subjects (1 volunteer, 4 patients with glioblastomas) alongside kinetic modeling of pyruvate-to-lactate conversion (kPL). Results: The multi-resolution EPI demonstrated superior characterization of pyruvate perfusion in lesions and vessels, reducing partial volume effects and improving the assessment of metabolism from kPL. Impact: This project improved the assessment of glycolytic metabolism in patients with gliomas using multi-resolution EPI that provides a 4-fold increase in hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate resolution, while also leveraging automatic atlas-based prescription for consistent volumetric coverage.