Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer for Lactate-Weighted Imaging at 3 T MRI: Comprehensive In Silico, In Vitro, In Situ, and In Vivo Evaluations

Based on in silico, in vitro, in situ, and in vivo evaluations, this study aims to establish and optimize the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging of lactate (Lactate-CEST—LATEST). To this end, we optimized LATEST sequences using Bloch–McConnell simulations for optimal detection of lactate with a clinical 3 T MRI scanner. The optimized sequences were used to image variable lactate concentrations in vitro (using phantom measurements), in situ (using nine human cadaveric lower leg specimens), and in vivo (using four healthy volunteers after exertional exercise) that were then statistically analyzed using the non-parametric Friedman test and Kendall Tau-b rank correlation. Within the simulated Bloch–McConnell equations framework, the magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTR(asym)) value was quantified as 0.4% in the lactate-specific range of 0.5–1 ppm, both in vitro and in situ, and served as the imaging surrogate of the lactate level. In situ, significant differences (p < 0.001) and strong correlations (τ = 0.67) were observed between the MTR(asym) values and standardized intra-muscular lactate concentrations. In vivo, a temporary increase in the MTR(asym) values was detected after exertional exercise. In this bench-to-bedside comprehensive feasibility study, different lactate concentrations were detected using an optimized LATEST imaging protocol in vitro, in situ, and in vivo at 3 T, which prospectively paves the way towards non-invasive quantification and monitoring of lactate levels across a broad spectrum of diseases.