A 3D steady-state CEST sequence for in vivo imaging of cerebral blood vessels at 3T

Motivation: Cerebral blood vessels play key roles in oxygen transportation and nutrition metabolism. MR angiography provides non-invasive and comprehensive information on vessel structure, blood volume and even oxygenation level. A metabolic MR imaging tool for vessels may facilitate more clinical needs. Goal(s): To observe CEST signal in vessels including proteins and peptides, sugars and macromolecule that contains aliphatic protons. Approach: We developed a 3D steady-state vessel-CEST sequence. Sequence parameters were optimized by simulation. Repeatability and difference between arteries and veins were investigated on 8 subujects. Results: Preliminary results demonstrated good repeatability of the pulse sequence, and allow sensitive visualization of blood signal in vessels. Impact: We developed a 3D steady-state CEST sequence for in vivo z-spectra analysis of cerebral vessels.Preliminary results demonstrated good repeatability of the sequence,and difference between arteries and veins were observed.These facts illustrated the potential value in diagnosis of blood metabolism-related diseases.