Quantitative spectroscopic imaging with in situ measurements of tissue water T1, T2, and density

Magn Reson Med. 2009 Sep;62(3):583-90. doi: 10.1002/mrm.22060.

Abstract

The use of tissue water as a concentration standard in proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) of the brain requires that the water proton signal be adjusted for relaxation and partial volume effects. While single voxel (1)H-MRS studies have often included measurements of water proton T(1), T(2), and density based on additional (1)H-MRS acquisitions (e.g., at multiple echo or repetition times), this approach is not practical for (1)H-MRS imaging ((1)H-MRSI). In this report we demonstrate a method for using in situ measurements of water T(1), T(2), and density to calculate metabolite concentrations from (1)H-MRSI data. The relaxation and density data are coregistered with the (1)H-MRSI data and provide detailed information on the water signal appropriate to the individual subject and tissue region. We present data from both healthy subjects and a subject with brain lesions, underscoring the importance of water parameter measurements on a subject-by-subject and voxel-by-voxel basis.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Body Water / chemistry*
  • Brain Chemistry*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Male
  • Water / analysis*

Substances

  • Water