Progress toward quantitative in vivo chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI

Abstract

AbstractChemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI provides a sensitive detection mechanism for imaging dilute labile protons, complementing the routine radiological exams. Enormous progress has been achieved in CEST MRI and image analysis, from the mathematical modeling, CEST agent design, and most importantly, increasing adoption of CEST imaging in the clinical setting. Therefore, CEST imaging represents an emerging field that involves multiple disciplines and together made a remarkable transition from the simplistic CEST‐weighted MRI to quantitative CEST (qCEST) analysis. This review focuses on the recent advancements in CEST quantification techniques and findings of in vivo CEST imaging in representative disorders of ischemia, tumor, and epilepsy. In addition, limitations of current CEST methodologies are examined that should help guide future development of more sensitive and quantitative CEST imaging techniques and ultimately, facilitate their adoption in the clinical setting.