Pre-CAT: Open-source tools for pre-clinical CEST-MRI data analysis

Motivation: CEST is an emerging MRI technique capable of detecting small biochemical changes in vivo, providing valuable insights into the pathophysiology of various disease models; however, the lack of standardized tools for data processing complicates the sharing and interpretation of experimental results. Goal(s): To develop an easy-to-use, open-source toolbox for CEST-MRI data analysis. Approach: Pre-CAT is a publicly available toolbox that facilitates the standardization of pre-clinical CEST data analysis. Included scripts perform Z-spectral B0 correction, thermal drift correction, and Lorentzian fitting. Results: Pre-CAT is a robust, open-source tool which conforms to consensus recommendations for data analysis and presentation, promoting standardization in pre-clinical CEST research. Impact: CEST is a valuable tool for imaging biochemical changes in pre-clinical disease models, yet remains underutilized due to the prevalence of proprietary data analysis scripts. Pre-CAT promotes the adoption of pre-clinical CEST-MRI and implements consensus standards for analysis and presentation.