The minimum echo-time for hyperpolarized 13C echo-planar imaging can be reduced with partial sampling along the blipped direction in k-space. To investigate the extent to which echo-time shortening can improve signal-to-noise ratio, we’ve employed an experimental design that toggles between two different spatial encoding strategies during a time-resolved hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate acquisition. Using clinically approved hardware with a pre-clinical animal model, we compared symmetric with asymmetric echo-planar imaging. Considerable signal-to-noise ratio gains for asymmetric vs symmetric sampling were observed without artifacts. On the basis of this study, our group will employ asymmetric sampling in our forthcoming human trials.
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