Multi-echo single-shot EPI for hyperpolarized 13C cardiac metabolic imaging of small animals

Background Cardiac metabolic imaging based on hyperpolarized 13C-labeled pyruvate shows great potential for assessing the metabolic changes that the heart undergoes during ischemia [1]. Rodent animal models offer unique opportunities to study ischemic processes, however, methods based on spectral-spatial excitation [2] of the individual metabolites is challenging due to the large minimal slice thickness that can be achieved with available gradient systems. A thick slice introduces both signal dephasing over the slice and errors due to partial volume effects. In this work, we explore multi-echo measurements using single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) readouts for thin slice dynamic cardiac metabolic imaging of small animals.