Towards High Temporal Resolution Creatine Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (Cr-CEST) During Plantar Flexion Exercise: Preliminary Results at 7T

Once the technical limitations are cleared, Cr-CEST could replace 31P-MRS, becoming a powerful tool for assessment of treatment outcomes and diagnosis of muscular disorders, due to its superior spatial resolution and sensitivity. Phantom measurements show how Cr concentration and pH are linearly correlated with CEST contrast maps. The preliminary in-vivo measurements, with a time resolution of 13.1s per repetition, produce an enhancement of gastrocnemius muscle of 12% during plantar flexion exercise. However, a further increased time resolution is anticipated for dynamic studies, close to those routinely used in dynamic 31P-MRS.