Keywords: Contrast mechanisms: Hyperpolarization, Contrast mechanisms: Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI)
Hyperpolarized metabolic imaging has emerged as a novel non-invasive method to probe metabolism in near real-time. Due to the transient lifetime of the hyperpolarized magnetization and the need to resolve multiple metabolites, these contrast agents require special considerations when developing probes, designing pulse sequences, or considering potential pre-clinical and clinical applications. This presentation will cover the basics of hyperpolarized metabolic imaging, with a specific focus on applications in the clinic using 13C probes. Topics will include the unique properties of hyperpolarized contrast agents, imaging strategies to rapidly and robustly acquire spectroscopic data, and human applications of hyperpolarized metabolic imaging.