This workshop, the third from the X‐Nuclei Study Group, will cover the latest technical advances and potential clinical applications in X-nuclei imaging (i.e., there is more to MRI than hydrogen, 1H) using 23Na (sodium) as the prime example, but not limiting to it (e.g., 31P, 13C, 2H & others). We expect that such discussions will be informative for imaging of other X-nuclei as there are often many methodological similarities given low concentrations, complex spin dynamics when spin > 1⁄2, unique relaxation characteristics necessitating different k-space trajectories, need for custom RF coils (usually at high field), and last but not least, issues of absolute quantification.
The new biochemical information available from imaging X-nuclei linked to metabolism can address in a novel way several clinical questions affecting both the brain and body. The workshop will feature invited presentations to review the technical state of the art and initiate discussion as well as poster sessions for attendees to present their latest research. There will also be space for industry partners to promote integration of scientific advancements and best-practice methods for clinical studies across multiple MRI vendors.
Note that spectroscopy and hyperpolarization methods are topics covered by other ISMRM study groups, so while included for comprehensiveness, they will not be extensively covered in this workshop.