C12354: Method to Improve CEST MRI AcquisitionsNovelty:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequence for detecting the buildup of the transfer of magnetization changes from nuclei in mobile solute molecules in tissue.
Value Proposition:
Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) imaging is a new MR imaging approach that allows for the detection of low concentration endogenous cellular proteins and metabolites indirectly through their exchangeable protons. In addition exogenous agents can be detected. Because of the increased imaging sensitivity specific to CEST techniques, the concentrations and activities of Glycosoaminoglycans, Glucose/Glycogen, Glutamate, amino acids, peptides, and proteins, can now be detected and imaged. CEST techniques have been successfully applied to detect tumors in vivo in brain, prostate, and breast tissue and to detect pH changes during ischemia. Despite these benefits of CEST imaging, techniques are not widely used in the clinic because they can be problematic and time-consuming. The novel MR imaging method proposed here can be used to replace inefficient CEST imaging steps. Additional advantages of the method include:
• Eliminates the need for performing asymmetry analysis in CEST imaging
• Can distinguish between exchange processes of different speed and thus separate different types of exchanging protons
• Removes contributions from direct saturation of the solvent signal
• Reduces interference from semi-solid and solid tissue components
• Allows for shorter scan times
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a new MRI pulse sequence to obtain CEST contrast images free of interference of direct saturation without the need for recording full Z-spectra and performing asymmetry analysis. The proposed method involves the acquisition of two or more images with a delay after a radiofrequency excitation or saturation pulse or a series of such pulses. This produces a series of exchange transfer images sensitive to the speed of transfer of changes in magnetization. Subtracting two images or fitting a time series produces MR image maps with minimum interference from direct water saturation and from semi-solid or solid magnetization transfer and other fast exchange protons. The resulting images can be weighted by CEST or relayed Nuclear Overhauser enhancement (rNOE) CEST. The described method allows for faster image collection than standard CEST image collection.
Looking for Partners:
To develop & commercialize the technology as a method for MR imaging of biodegradable contrast agents and metabolic tracers for clinical stroke and cancer imaging.
Stage of Development:
Pre-clinical
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
