Hyperpolarized 13C imaging can provide useful metabolic information; however, rapid decay of hyperpolarized signal leads to reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) images. We demonstrate an RF excitation scheme that dynamically changes the RF spectral profile and amplitude to achieve flip angles that vary throughout the acquisition independently for each metabolite. This preserves signal during a dynamic imaging experiment maintaining more signal for later time-points than using a constant RF pulse. Increased in vivo SNR at later time points of [1-13C]pyruvate and its metabolites was shown by dynamic imaging experiments in guinea pigs with both constant and variable flip angle schemes.
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