Synopsis

Keywords: Contrast mechanisms: CEST & MT, Neuro: Brain

Imaging exchangeable protons of molecules using CEST MRI has significant potential for disease diagnosis and treatment evaluation. This technique, first introduced by Wand and Balaban in 2000, involves saturating these protons, enabling the detection of water signal saturation. The exchange process, influenced by local environmental factors like temperature and pH, allows for the imaging of intriguing in vivo events, such as those within tumors and stroke lesions. This presentation will explore the principles of CEST MRI and exchange-based contrast agents, focusing on their role in detecting neuropathology across various disease stages.

Imaging exchangeable protons of molecules holds promises for disease diagnosis and evaluation of treatment outcomes. Traditionally, these protons, such as -NH or -OH, can be detected by NMR using 1D proton spectra, in the absence and presence of deuterium oxide, as well as through the exchange spectroscopy type pulse sequences. In vivo, there is a complex mixture of molecules, necessitating the use of Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) MRI for detection.

First reported by Wand and Balaban in 2000, CEST technique involves the saturation of these exchangeable protons, allowing for the detection of saturation on the water signal. Thus, CEST saturation scheme can be meticulously designed offering immense potential for the editing of spectral components and visualization of spin systems before signal detection via water. The exchange process is intrinsically dependent on the local environment, such as temperature and pH. This dependency enables the imaging of many interesting events happen in vivo, such as those in tumors and stroke lesions. This presentation will delve into the basic principles of CEST MRI and exchange-based contrast agents, importantly, their applications in detecting neuropathology at various stages of diseases.

References

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