A generalized QUCESOP method with evaluating CEST peak overlap

Motivation: When quantifying the CE-parameters (fb, kb and R2b) of the specific CEST solute with existence of other unknown solutes, the peak overlap condition needs to be assessed to evaluate the reliability of the quantification result. Goal(s): To develop a method for CE-parameters quantification and peak overlap assessment. Approach: CEST data was acquired with various saturation offsets and powers. When fitting the targeted CE-parameters, the peak overlap was evaluated using RMSE between the trajectories of the acquired and synthesized data. Simulation and experiments were taken to test the performance. Results: The feasibility of the approach in CE-parameters quantification and peak overlap assessment was verified. Impact: The proposed method would be helpful for evaluating the reliability of the empirically set model for CE-parameters quantification, and then that of the quantification result.