Rapid Whole-Brain Mapping of B0, B1, and T1 for Unbiased CEST Imaging in Clinical MRI

Motivation: Clinical CEST imaging has bias issues due to hardware and relaxation factors. B1 and T1 corrections are seldom used in large cohorts because of time-consuming mapping methods. Goal(s): To develop a fast whole-brain imaging method for B0, B1, and T1 mapping, which can promote clinically unbiased CEST imaging. Approach: Four steady-state SPGR scans and relevant techniques were employed to create whole-brain B0, B1, and T1 maps, which were then registered to CEST images for correction. Results: The generated maps have low relative error and difference in comparison to references. CEST images exhibit improved spatial uniformity and contrast after B1 and T1 correction. Impact: Facilitates unbiased CEST imaging in clinical practice. Enables clinicians to detect CEST effects related to proteins/metabolites more accurately. May stimulate new clinical research on CEST-related topics.