Comparison of single voxel brain MRS AT 3 T and 7 T using 32-channel head coils

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of three different regions of the human brain between 3 and 7 Tesla, using the same subjects and closely matched methodology at both field strengths.MethodsA semi-LASER (sLASER) pulse sequence with TE 32 ms was used to acquire metabolite spectrum along with the water reference at 3 T and 7 T using similar experimental parameters and hardware at both field strengths (n = 4 per region and field). Spectra were analyzed in LCModel using a simulated basis set.ResultsSignal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at 7 T was higher compared to 3 T, and linewidths (in ppm) at both field strengths were comparable in ppm scale. Of the 13 metabolites reported in the paper, most metabolites were measured with higher precision at 7 T in all three regions.ConclusionThe study confirms gains in SNR and measurement precision at 7 T in all three representative brain regions using the sLASER pulse sequence coupled with a 32-channel phased-array head coil.