Fat-corrected APTw/CEST-MRI with timed breathing for renal applications

Motivation: APTw/CEST MRI in renal imaging would be useful for many ailments, such as characterization of small renal masses in cancer or kidney injury/transplants. However, fat and motion artifacts remain challenging. Goal(s): Assess feasibility of in vivo fat-correction in renal CEST-MRI using previously introduced Z-spectral fitting of SPIR fat-suppressed data. Approach: APTw/CEST data was acquired using single-shot fast-spin-echo MRI with compressed-sensing acceleration and timed-breathing in volunteers. Background model fitting (olefinic/aliphatic fat, water/MT, SPIR effect) is used for fat-correction in APTw imaging. Results: Initial renal CEST-MRI using Z-spectral background-fitting was demonstrated with good suppression of fat and detailed substructure of CEST effect in the organ. Impact: Enable CEST applications in the kidney with low artifact level from fat.