Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer MRI (CEST MRI) is a molecular MR technique that captures the chemical properties of proton pools at concentrations too low for conventional MRI. By imaging their interaction with water protons, we can gain insight in to physiological information, such as pH, which has previously required invasive methods.
The QuantiCEST tool provides Bayesian model-based analysis as well as various model-free metrics. Model-based analysis is based on the Bloch-McConnell model and, where possible, provides proton concentration and exchange maps, and resulting proton transfer ratio metric, CESTR*. Offering the advantage of inherently correcting for field inhomogeneities and T1/T2 effects.
Bayesian model based analysis is best suited to CEST MRI data acquired across a well-sampled z-spectra, at single or multiple saturation powers. The tool includes:
QuantiCEST includes a range of simple and more sophisticated model-free CEST analysis options including: