Multiparametric exchange protons using Z‐spectrum analysis proton (ZAP) and CEST on phantoms and human abdomen

• Published in: Magnetic resonance in medicine Vol. 92; no. 4; pp. 1670 - 1682
• Main Authors: Malis, Vadim, Miyazaki, Mitsue
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Abdomen; Biomarkers; Calculi; chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST); Contrast agents; Contrast media; Data acquisition; Differentiation (biology); Exchanging; macromolecule exchange protons; magnetization transfer (MT); Organs; Protons; Spectrum analysis; Subgroups; Variance analysis; Z‐spectrum analysis protons (ZAP); macromolecule exchange protons; chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST); Z‐spectrum analysis protons (ZAP); magnetization transfer (MT)
• DOI: 10.1002/mrm.30140
• ISSN: 0740-3194; 1522-2594

Purpose This study aims to investigate a multiparametric exchange proton approach using CEST and Z‐spectrum analysis protons (ZAP) in human abdominal organs, focusing on tissue differentiation for a potential early biomarker of abnormality. Prior to human studies, CEST and ZAP effects were studied in phantoms containing exchange protons. Methods Phantoms composed of iopamidol and iohexol solutions with varying pH levels, along with 12 human subjects, were scanned on a clinical 3T MR scanner. Subsequent ZAP analyses employed a two‐Lorentzian pool model to provide free and restricted apparent T2f,rex$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{2\ \mathrm{f},\mathrm{r}}^{\mathrm{ex}} $$, and their fractions for data acquired across a wide range of offset frequencies (±100 kHz or ± 800 ppm), while a narrower range (±7 ppm or ± 900 Hz) was used for CEST analysis to estimate magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRAsym) for exchange protons like hydroxyl (—OH), amine (—NH2), and amide (—NH), resonating ˜1, 2, and 3.5 ppm, respectively. Differences in ZAP metrics across various organs were statistically analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results The phantom study differentiated contrast agents based on resonance peaks detected from CEST analysis, while ZAP metrics showed sensitivity to pH variations. In human, ZAP metrics revealed significant differences in abdominal organs, with a subgroup study indicating changes in ZAP metrics due to the presence of gallstones. Conclusion CEST and ZAP techniques demonstrated promise in specific CEST protons and wide range ZAP protons and identifying tissue‐specific characteristics. The preliminary findings underscore the necessity for more extensive study involving a broader subject pool to potentially establish biomarkers for diseased states.