Quantitative MR-Spectroscopy: Implementation and quality assurance on a clinical MR-scanner

The aim of this study was the implementation of quantitative MR-Spectroscopy with external reference signals on a Philips Gyroscan Intera 1,5 T MR-Scanner for routine clinical use. We established measurements for quality assurance of the used phantoms and methods. In detail we analyzed the dependence of the signal on concentration and volume as well as on the local variation within the coil and the impact of these factors on quantification. Furthermore we established measurements for routine constancy checks. The method as well as the software for concentration calculation was checked by an in vitro measurement. In a blinded measurement the concentrations of NAA, Cho and Kr in the PTB reference phantom 10614 mM were determined correctly within their error limits.