Development and optimization of human deuterium MR spectroscopic imaging at 3 T in the abdomen

Purpose: To establish and optimize abdominal deuterium MRSI in conjunction with orally administered 2H-labelled molecules. Methods: A flexible transmit-receive surface coil was used to image naturally abundant deuterium signal in phantoms and healthy volunteers and after orally administered 2H2O in a patient with a benign renal tumor (oncocytoma). Results: Water and lipid peaks were fitted with high confidence from both unlocalized spectra and from voxels within the liver, kidney, and spleen on spectroscopic imaging. Artifacts were minimal, despite the high 2H2O concentration in the stomach immediately after ingestion, which can be problematic with the use of a volume coil. Conclusion: We have shown the feasibility of abdominal deuterium MRSI at 3 T using a flexible surface coil. Water measurements were obtained in healthy volunteers and images were acquired in a patient with a renal tumor after drinking 2H2O. The limited depth penetration of the surface coil may have advantages in characterizing early uptake of orally administered agents in abdominal organs, despite the high concentrations in the stomach which can pose challenges with other coil combinations.