Constant-TE Difference Editing of Serine at 3T: Simulation and Phantom Study

Changho Choi¹, Aditya Patel¹

Serine (Ser) in human brain, which has coupled proton resonances at 3.98, 3.94, and 3.83 ppm, is difficult to measure because of its relatively low concentration (~0.5 mM) and the spectral overlap with the creatine (Cr) 3.92 ppm resonance. Constant-TE difference editing strategies for detection of Ser at 3T have been explored. Echo time dependence of the Ser multiplet was investigated, with density-matrix simulation, for point-resolved spectroscopy and triple refocusing. The Ser multiplets in sub- and difference-spectra were in good agreement between simulation and phantom experiments. In vivo feasibility of the difference editing methods is discussed with results from a phantom with physiological concentrations of Ser and Cr.