Calibration-free whole-brain CEST imaging at 7T with parallel transmit pulse design for saturation homogeneity utilizing universal pulses (PUSHUP).

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) measurements at ultra-high field (UHF) suffer from strong saturation inhomogeneity. Retrospective correction of this inhomogeneity is possible to some extent, but requires a time-consuming repetition of the measurement. Here, we propose a calibration-free parallel transmit (pTx)-based saturation scheme that homogenizes the saturation over the imaging volume, which we call PUlse design for Saturation Homogeneity utilizing Universal Pulses (PUSHUP).

Theory

Magnetization transfer effects depend on the saturation B1rms$$ {\mathrm{B}}_1^{\mathrm{rms}} $$ . PUSHUP homogenizes the saturation B1rms$$ {\mathrm{B}}_1^{\mathrm{rms}} $$ by using multiple saturation pulses with alternating B1$$ {\mathrm{B}}_1 $$ -shims. Using a databas

SUBMITTER: Volzke Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11604840 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature