[In vivo 31P-cardiac magnetic resonance spectroscopy: methods and the first clinical results].

31P-magnetic resonance (MR) spectra of the heart can be obtained from well-defined myocardial regions by combined MR imaging and variable selected volumes for spectroscopy. 31P-spectra of 33 volunteers and of 43 patients with dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and with coronary artery disease were quantified using a curve-fitting routine. To optimize our technique, we recorded unsaturated and partially saturated spectra in several volunteers. Relative peak areas and signal-to-noise ratios showed significant changes with varying pulse repetition times. Saturation factors were applied to correct spectra from volunteers and patients for the effects of partial saturation. Under resting conditions, peak areas of volunteers and patients from the various groups were statistically indistinct.