Investigation of the feasibility of CEST MRI in early detecting diabetic muscle injuries in a rabbit model at 5 T

Motivation: Although CEST MRI has been increasingly used in muscle energy metabolism imaging, its ability in early detecting diabetic muscle impairment remains elucidated. Goal(s): To investigate the feasibility of CEST MRI in early detecting diabetic skeletal muscle injuries. Approach: Six rabbits were scanned with T2w and CEST MRI before and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks following diabetes mellitus model induction. Alterations of phosphocreatine (PCr) and creatine (Cr), and their ratio with time were evaluated. Results: Muscle structures showed no apparent abnormalities. CrCEST signals significantly increased in week 2, whereas PCrCEST signals remained constant over time, leading to significantly reduced PCr/Cr in week 6. Impact: The significantly increased Cr and reduced PCr/Cr occurred before structural alterations, suggesting the feasibility of CEST MRI in early detecting diabetic muscle damage at the energy metabolism level.