Whole-brain steady-state CEST at 3 T using MR Multitasking

Purpose: To perform fast 3D steady-state CEST (ss-CEST) imaging using MR Multitasking.

Methods: A continuous acquisition sequence with repetitive ss-CEST modules was developed. Each ss-CEST module contains a single-lobe Gaussian saturation pulse, followed by a spoiler gradient and eight FLASH readouts (one "training line" + seven "imaging lines"). Three-dimensional Cartesian encoding was used for k-space acquisition. Reconstructed CEST images were quantified with four-pool Lorentzian fitting.

Results: Steady-state CEST with whole-brain coverage was performed in 5.6 s per saturation frequency offset at the spatial resolution of 1.7 × 1.7 × 3.0 mm³ . The total scan time was 5.5 min for 55 different frequency offsets. Quantitative CEST maps from multipool fitting showed consistent image quality across the volume.

Conclusion: Three-dimensional ss-CEST with whole-brain coverage can be done at 3 T within 5.5 min using MR Multitasking.