Abstract #0299

Clinically relevant rapid 3D CEST imaging with hexagonal spoiling gradients, optimised B1, and symmetric z-spectrum sampling

Robert C. Brand¹, Nicholas P. Blockley¹, Michael Chappell², and Peter Jezzard¹

¹FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, ²IBME, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom

Clinical 3D CEST has been hindered by slow acquisition times and z-spectra artefacts that affect fitting. Here, we demonstrate various sequence improvements, including: 1) hexagonal gradient spoiling that minimises ghosting, shortens TR and reduces confounding T2 sensitivity; 2) low readout flip angles combined with symmetric z-spectrum sampling that better maintains the steady state between samples and eliminates the need for T1-restoration periods; and 3) exchange-rate matched 360° CEST pulses that reduce direct water saturation to minimise T1 sensitivity and increase CNR. Together, these improvements result in high-quality whole-brain 39-offset z-spectra measurements at 3mm isotropic resolution in 2:59 minutes.

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