Pulseq-CEST

Pulseq-CEST standardizes definition and sharing of Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) preparation periods using the open Pulseq format to enable reproducible protocol definition, Bloch‑McConnell simulation, and hybrid MR sequence execution across sites and vendors.

Key Features:

• Open-Source Protocol Standardization: Uses the open Pulseq format to create precise, shareable definitions of CEST preparation periods.
• GitHub Database for Protocol Sharing: Maintains an open database on GitHub containing fully defined, human-readable CEST protocols for community sharing.
• Bloch-McConnell Simulation: Incorporates an open-source Bloch‑McConnell simulation for in silico testing and optimization of CEST preparation periods.
• Hybrid MR Sequence Integration: Provides a hybrid MR sequence capable of executing the defined CEST preparation period and integrating with existing readout modules.

Scientific Applications:

• Amide Proton Transfer-weighted Protocol Consensus: Facilitates consensus on amide proton transfer-weighted protocols across healthy subjects and tumor patients.
• Multisite CEST Method Harmonization: Enables coherent multisite results for sophisticated CEST methods by standardizing protocol definitions and execution.

Methodology:

Protocol definition using the open Pulseq format to create exact, shareable CEST preparation periods; Bloch‑McConnell simulations for in silico testing and protocol refinement; implementation of hybrid MR sequences that integrate with existing readout modules for experimental execution.