Hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate MRI is an emerging imaging method that offers unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution for monitoring tumor metabolism in vivo. To establish a robust imaging biomarker, we must characterize phenomena that may modulate the apparent conversion rate of pyruvate into lactate (kpl). We sought to investigate the potential effect of diffusion on pyruvate-to-lactate conversion. HP signal evolution, as calculated by finite-difference time domain simulation of a 2D tissue model, was fit to a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Results indicate for low intracellular kpl, diffusion has a minimal impact, but pyruvate diffusion can reduce the apparent rate of conversion at high intracellular kpl.
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