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Abstract #2982

Ytterbium (Yb)-Based PARACEST Agent: Feasibility of CEST Imaging on a Clinical 3.0 T Scanner

Yukihisa Takayama1, Akihiro Nishie1, Takashi Yoshiura1, Tomohiro Nakayama1, Eiki Nagao1, Naoki Kato2, Satoshi Yoshise2, Shutaro Saiki2, Dirk Burdinski3, Holger Grull3, Jochen Keupp3, Hiroshi Honda1

1Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; 2Philips Electronics Japan, Tokyo, Japan; 3Philips Research Europe, Hamburg, Germany


Chemical Exchange-dependent Saturation Transfer (CEST) is a novel contrast mechanism for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, but it is not yet common in clinical practice. We investigated the feasibility of CEST imaging on a clinical MR scanner by in vitro study using a ytterbium complex of paramagnetic CEST agents. The CEST effect could be observed at specific offset frequencies. In addition, it increased and decreased depending on the degrees of concentration, pH or solution. We showed the clinical potential of CEST imaging using these agents, but further modifications, such as optimized presaturation RF pulse, imaging protocols or other techniques, remain necessary.