System and Method for Measuring pH Using Magnetic Resonance

摘要

Systems and methods for indicating pH in a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system are provided. The method includes selecting a contrast agent, generating a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) pulse sequence, performing the pulse sequence with the saturating pulse at a first power level, and performing the pulse sequence again with the saturating pulse at a power level different from the first power level. The method also includes generating values indicating pH of the subject, and generating a report indicating the pH using those values.

主权项

1. A method for assessing pH in a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, comprising:
a) generating, using the MRI system, a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) pulse sequence comprising a saturating magnetic field used to saturate protons of the subject by irradiating the subject with the field, wherein the field has a frequency offset from a Lamar frequency of water protons, and the frequency offset is related to a contrast agent associated with the subject; b) performing the pulse sequence wherein the saturating magnetic field is at a first radio-frequency (RF) power level (ω11) and a first set of MR signals of the subject are acquired; c) performing the pulse sequence wherein the saturating magnetic field is at a second RF power level (ω12) different from ω11 and a second set of MR signals are acquired; d) generating values indicating pH of the subject using the first and the second set of MR signals; and e) generating a report indicating the pH using the values.