Deep learning optimization of CEST MR Fingerprinting (CEST-MRF) for Quantitative Human Brain Mapping

CEST MR fingerprinting (CEST-MRF) enables fast quantitative relaxation and exchange mapping. The CEST-MRF signal depends on multiple acquisition and tissue parameters which makes optimization of the acquisition schedule challenging. The goal of this work is to develop a deep learning approach that uses a quantification network and a surrogate network to optimize the acquisition schedule for in vivo scans. Numerical simulations are used to characterize the optimized schedule and the benefits of optimization are demonstrated in vivo in a healthy subject. The optimized schedule can reduce scan time by 12% and provide better image quality than a randomly generated schedule.