Multi-echo length and offset varied saturation (Me-LOVARS) method for chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MR imaging

US10365343B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · US
• Kennedy Krieger Institute, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael T. McMahon · Syracuse, US
• Xiaolei Song · Timonium, US
• Jiadi Xu · Timonium, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 3, 2014
• Grant date: Jul 30, 2019
• Expiry date: Sep 25, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R33/5605
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A novel approach for CEST MR imaging is called Multi-echo Length and Offset VARied Saturation (Me-LOVARS) CEST. This method allows efficient collection of additional CEST data without penalty in scan time, which could be useful for enhancing the contrast, increasing the specificity or improving quantification of exchange. As CEST-MRI has shown promise at both the pre-clinical and clinical levels, including for detecting and grading brain tumors and evaluating ischemia, using either endogenous CEST contrast or through administration of CEST contrast agents. This fast and robust imaging method is suitable for accelerating image collection and widening the scope of applications for CEST-MRI.