Optimizing SNR for multi‐metabolite hyperpolarized carbon‐13 MRI using a hybrid flip‐angle scheme

PURPOSE: To improve the SNR of hyperpolarized carbon‐13 MRI of [1‐(13)C]pyruvate using a multispectral variable flip angle (msVFA) scheme in which the spectral profile and flip angle vary dynamically with time. METHODS: Each image acquisition in a time‐resolved imaging experiment used a unique spectrally varying RF pulse shape for msVFA. Therefore, the flip angle for every acquisition was optimized for pyruvate and each of its metabolites to yield the highest SNR across the acquisition. Multispectral VFA was compared with a spectrally varying constant flip‐angle excitation model through simulations and in vivo. A modified broadband chemical shift‐encoded gradient‐echo sequence was used for in vivo experiments on six pregnant guinea pigs. Regions of interest placed in the placentae, maternal liver, and maternal kidneys were used as areas for SNR measurement. RESULTS: In vivo experiments showed significant increases in SNR for msVFA relative to constant flip angle of up to 250% for multiple metabolites. CONCLUSION: Hyperpolarized carbon‐13 imaging with msVFA excitation produces improved SNR for all metabolites in organs of interest.