Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI allows for the indirect detection of low-concentration biomolecules by their saturation transfer to the abundant water pool. However, reliable quantification of CEST effects remains challenging and requires a high image signal-to-noise ratio. In this study, we show that principle component analysis can provide a denoising capability which is comparable or better than 6-fold averaging. Principle component analysis allows identifying similarities across all noisy Z-spectra, and thus, extracting the relevant information. The resulting denoised Z-spectra provide a more stable basis for quantification of selective CEST effects, without requiring additional measurements.
This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.