Quantitative Multi-slice And Jointly Optimized Rapid CEST (Q-MAJOR-CEST) for In Vivo Whole-Brain Imaging

Motivation: To perform rapid, quantitative and volumetric CEST mapping. Goal(s): To develop a multi-slice quantitative CEST pulse sequence and deep reconstruction approach for whole-brain mapping. Approach: The schedule of flip angles and the temporal ordering of slices were optimized to minimize T1 relaxation effects. A neural network to quantify CEST parameters was trained based on temporal signals derived from simulations of the proposed pulse sequence. Results: Water T1 and T2 maps, amide exchange and volume fraction maps, and semi-solid exchange and volume fraction maps were obtained in 10 slices with a scan time of ~2 minutes. Impact: The proposed Q-MAJOR-CEST technique enables accurate and reproducible whole-brain quantitative CEST imaging in clinically relevant scan times that can be used for improved diagnosis and treatment response monitoring of brain tumors.