Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in skeletal muscle: Experts' consensus recommendations

1H‐MR spectroscopy of skeletal muscle provides insight into metabolism that is not available noninvasively by other methods. The recommendations given in this article are intended to guide those who have basic experience in general MRS to the special application of 1H‐MRS in skeletal muscle. The highly organized structure of skeletal muscle leads to effects that change spectral features far beyond simple peak heights, depending on the type and orientation of the muscle. Specific recommendations are given for the acquisition of three particular metabolites (intramyocellular lipids, carnosine and acetylcarnitine) and for preconditioning of experiments and instructions to study volunteers.
The recommendations are intended to guide those who have basic experience in general MRS to the special application of 1H‐MRS in skeletal muscle. The structure of skeletal muscle leads to effects that change spectral features far beyond simple peak heights, depending on the type and orientation of the muscle. Specific advice is given for three particular metabolites (intramyocellular lipids, carnosine and acetylcarnitine) and for preconditioning of experiments and instructions to study volunteers.