Dynamic physiological changes in the liver may influence the increased variability of shMOLLI T1 of healthy livers relative to normal myocardial shMOLLI T1 variability. Since glycogen concentration varies over relatively short time periods, this may contribute to the variability. This study explores two possible pathways by which glycogen might influence shMOLLI measurements: chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) effects and direct change of liver water relaxation. Simulations, phantom and human experiments suggest that the CEST effect is negligible in vivo and a 7% shortening of T1 at high glycogen concentration is driven by direct relaxation effects.
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