MULTI-ECHO PARAMETRIC VARIATION SATURATION (MEPAVARS) FOR CEST IMAGING AND OTHER MR IMAGING

摘要

The present invention provides a novel approach for CEST MR imaging, called Multi-echo Parametric VARiation Saturation (Me-PaVARS) CEST. This method places multiple image readouts in between a series of saturation pulses. The saturation pulse parameters are varied in a designated systematic pattern, which allows the generation of CEST contrast maps by encoding the patterns of signal loss into the images for better discrimination between various CEST imaging agents. The saturation parameter changes include, but are not limited to, saturation amplitude (B1), saturation length (tsat), number of pulses, shape of saturation pulses, amplitude of saturation pulses, saturation offset frequency, or a combination of these variations.

主权项

1. A method for magnetic resonance imaging of a subject comprising:
using a magnetic resonance imaging machine to generate a series of saturation pulses, wherein the saturation pulses or the series of saturation pulses have varied parameters to generate CEST contrast, and wherein there are two or more series of saturation pulses; obtaining multiple signal readouts between the series of saturation pulses; and processing the multiple signal readouts into an image of the subject.