High spatiotemporal resolution hyperpolarized 13C angiography

Background Sub-millimeter resolution, background-free magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has been performed previously using dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)enhanced C labeled small molecules [1-4]. This approach of contrast-enhanced MRA is appealing since many of the commonly used DNP substrates are endogenous and could be potentially used in large doses in patients with renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to combine high spatial resolution MRA with a high frame rate spiral readout [5], and to test the feasibility of C magnetic resonance fluoroscopy in rats on a clinical imaging system.