Use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy for in vivo evaluation of high-energy phosphate metabolism in normal and abnormal myocardium.

31P- and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are powerful tools for studying myocardial energy metabolism. The purpose of this review is to illustrate how these MRS techniques can be used to study complex bioenergetic issues in normal and abnormal in vivo myocardium. The results provide insight into the energetic alterations present in remodeled and hypertrophied myocardium. A detailed understanding of energy metabolism in normal and abnormal myocardium may point the way to improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic modalities for left ventricular dysfunction.