Abstract #2987

Optimization of RF Saturation to Minimize B0 Inhomogeneity Effects in Pulsed Amide Proton Transfer Imaging

Rachel Scheidegger^1,2, Elena Vinogradov^1,3, David C. Alsop^1,3

¹Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; ²Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard-MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States; ³Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States

Off-resonance errors due to magnetic field inhomogeneity are a major challenge for amide proton transfer imaging. Two-pool Bloch equation simulations were used to optimize the timing for pulsed APT imaging with two different subtraction methods. Simulations indicate that the pulse width and interpulse delay as well as the subtraction method used are key factors in optimizing APT for insensitivity to magnetic field inhomogeneity.