Combining chemical exchange saturation transfer and 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopy for simultaneous determination of metabolite concentrations and effects of magnetization exchange.

Using non-water-suppressed spectroscopy offers time-saving simultaneous recording of the traditional CEST Z-spectrum from water and the metabolite spectrum under frequency-selective saturation. In addition, exchange and magnetization-transfer effects on metabolites and macromolecules can be detected, which might offer additional possibilities for quantification or give further insight into the composition of the traditional CEST Z-spectrum. Apparent magnetization-transfer effects on macromolecular signals in the 1 H-MR spectrum have been found. Detailed knowledge of magnetization-transfer effects is also relevant for judging the influence of water-suppression on the quantification of metabolite signals.