Optimization of Pulsed Saturation for CEST Imaging in Standard Clinical MR Scanners

Benjamin Schmitt¹, Moritz Zaiss¹, Peter Bachert¹

If CEST imaging is employed in clinical MR systems hardware restrictions and SAR regulations exclude the possibility to generate a steady-state for saturation through CW irradiation. Pulsed saturation, which is used instead, holds disadvantages in preparation time and frequency coverage compared to CW. A narrow frequency coverage while maintaining SAR boundaries as well as short scan times are essential for clinical CEST imaging. We propose an effective pulsed saturation scheme which meets both requirements. The scheme is based on simulations and its effectiveness was verified experimentally.