Multi-Parameter Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Cervix.

The aim of this study is to examine cervix-adapted versions of steady-state multi-parameter MRS (SMP MRS) and flip-angle-corrected multi-parameter MRS (CMP MRS), comparing estimated cervix T1w and T2w for the two sequences. CMP MRS and SMP MRS were adapted from liver versions of the sequences, adding long TR acquisitions to better estimate cervix T1w. CMP MRS differs from SMP MRS by correcting for inaccurate B1 calibration. Both CMP MRS and SMP MRS were acquired at 3 T in 13 adult female subjects (10 healthy, 3 with cancer). Values of T1w and T2w were estimated from both sequences, and the relationship between the values was examined. While there was no significant difference in T1w given by the two sequences (CMP T1w = 1568 ms, SMP T1w = 1571 ms, p = 0.95; SMP T1w = 0.657 CMP T1w + 541 ms, r = 0.36), there was a single case where SMP MRS underestimated T1w by over 400 ms. A significant difference was observed in T2w (CMP T2w = 39.9 ms, SMP T2w = 45.6 ms, p = 0.001; SMP T2w = 0.812 CMP T2w + 13.3 ms, r = 0.87). Cervix adapted CMP MRS and SMP MRS both successfully estimated values of T1w and T2w, though the single case where SMP MRS gave a non-physical T1w suggests CMP MRS may be better suited for cervix T1w estimation.