W Thomas Dixon1, Ileana Hancu1, A Dean Sherry2,3, James Ratnaker2, Donald E. Woessner2, Elena Vinogradov4, Robert E. Lenkinski4, David C. Alsop4
1GE Global Research, Niskayuna, NY, USA; 2UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; 3Chemistry, U Texas Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA; 4Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brookline, MA
Contrast Enhanced Saturation Transfer imaging usually uses long CEST RF pulses to achieve the maximum, steady-state effect. Most transmitters do not provide long pulses. Long pulses slow imaging greatly or require rapid imaging methods that often limit image quality. A 2D gradient echo sequence with a short CEST pulse inserted before each observe pulse retains all the flexibility of the original gradient echo sequence. Keeping pulse and wait durations constant, increasing the number of slices increases TR and increases sensitivity just as in 3D imaging. The CEST effect was independent of slice position in a uniform CEST phantom.
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