[Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Imaging of Creatine Metabolites: a 3.0 T MRI Pilot].

Objective: To determine the feasibility of using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging to measure creatine (Cr) metabolites with 3.0 T MR.

Methods: Phantoms containing different concentrations of Cr under various pH conditions were studied with CEST sequence on 3.0 T MR imaging. CEST effect and Z spectra were analyzed.

Results: Cr exhibited significant CEST effect (± 1.8 ppm, F = 99.08, P < 0.001) on 3.0 T MR imaging, and positive correlation was found between the signal intensity and concentration of Cr (r = 0.963, P < 0.001). The CEST effect showed pH dependency of Cr (r = 0.41, P = 0.035).

Conclusion: Creatine CEST imaging can be performed on 3.0 T MR imaging. Creatine concentrations and pH influence CEST effect.