Note

Improved quantification precision of human brain short echo-time ¹H magnetic resonance spectroscopy at high magnetic field: A simulation study

Corresponding Author

Dinesh Kumar Deelchand

Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Correspondence to: Dinesh K. Deelchand, Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, 2021 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Isabelle Iltis,

Isabelle Iltis

Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

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Pierre-Gilles Henry,

Pierre-Gilles Henry

Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

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Dinesh Kumar Deelchand,

Corresponding Author

Dinesh Kumar Deelchand

Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Isabelle Iltis,

Isabelle Iltis

Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Search for more papers by this author

Pierre-Gilles Henry,

Pierre-Gilles Henry

Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 30 July 2013

https://doi.org/10.1002/mrm.24892

Citations: 25

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Abstract

Purpose

The gain in quantification precision that can be expected in human brain ¹H MRS at very high field remains a matter of debate. Here, we investigate this issue using Monte-Carlo simulations.

Methods

Simulated human brain-like ¹H spectra were fitted repeatedly with different noise realizations using LCModel at B₀ ranging from 1.5T to 11.7T, assuming a linear increase in signal-to-noise ratio with B₀ in the time domain, and assuming a linear increase in linewidth with B₀ based on experimental measurements. Average quantification precision (Cramér–Rao lower bound) was then determined for each metabolite as a function of B₀.

Results

For singlets, Cramér–Rao lower bounds improved (decreased) by a factor of ∼ $urn:x-wiley:07403194:media:mrm24892:mrm24892-math-0001$ as B₀ increased, as predicted by theory. For most J-coupled metabolites, Cramér–Rao lower bounds decreased by a factor ranging from $urn:x-wiley:07403194:media:mrm24892:mrm24892-math-0002$ to B₀ as B₀ increased, reflecting additional gains in quantification precision compared to singlets owing to simplification of spectral pattern and reduced overlap.

Conclusions

Quantification precision of ¹H magnetic resonance spectroscopy in human brain continues to improve with B₀ up to 11.7T although peak signal-to-noise ratio in the frequency domain levels off above 3T. In most cases, the gain in quantification precision is higher for J-coupled metabolites than for singlets. Magn Reson Med 72:20–25, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Supporting Information

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Citing Literature

Volume72, Issue1

July 2014

Pages 20-25