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Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine

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Open Access 01-06-2021 | Research Article

On the reproducibility of hippocampal MEGA-sLASER GABA MRS at 7T using an optimized analysis pipeline

Authors: Yannik Völzke, Eberhard D. Pracht, Elke Hattingen, Desmond H. Y.Tse, Tony Stöcker

Published in: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine | Issue 3/2021

Abstract

Objectives

GABA is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, variation in its concentration is connected to a wide variety of diseases. However, the low concentration and the overlap of more prominent resonances hamper GABA quantification using MR spectroscopy. The hippocampus plays a pivotal role in neurodegeneration. Susceptibility discontinuities in the vicinity of the hippocampus cause strong B₀ inhomogeneities, impeding GABA spectroscopy. The aim of this work is to improve the reproducibility of hippocampal GABA+ MRS.

Methods

The GABA+/total creatine ratio in the hippocampus was measured using a MEGA-sLASER sequence at 7 Tesla. 10 young healthy volunteers participated in the study. A dedicated pre-processing approach was established. Spectral quantification was performed with Tarquin. The quantification parameters were carefully adjusted to ensure optimal quantification.

Results

An inter-subject coefficient of variation of the GABA+/total creatine of below 15% was achieved. Additional to spectral registration, which is essential to obtain reproducible GABA measures, eddy current compensation and additional difference artifact suppression improved the reproducibility. The mean FWHM was 23.1 Hz (0.078 ppm).

Conclusion

The increased spectral dispersion of ultra-high-field spectroscopy allows for reproducible spectral quantification, despite a very broad line width. The achieved reproducibility enables the routine use of hippocampal GABA spectroscopy at 7 Tesla.

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Title: On the reproducibility of hippocampal MEGA-sLASER GABA MRS at 7T using an optimized analysis pipeline
Authors: Yannik Völzke
Eberhard D. Pracht
Elke Hattingen
Desmond H. Y.Tse
Tony Stöcker
Publication date: 01-06-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0968-5243
Electronic ISSN: 1352-8661
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-020-00879-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

On the reproducibility of hippocampal MEGA-sLASER GABA MRS at 7T using an optimized analysis pipeline

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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