CESTsimu: An open-source GUI for spectral and spatial CEST simulation

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) MRI is a valuable technique for detecting metabolites.
• Accurate simulation of CEST experiments is crucial for method development and validation.
• Existing simulation tools may lack user-friendliness or comprehensive features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a user-friendly CEST simulation tool with a graphical user interface (GUI).
• To enable simulation of both spectral (1D Z-spectra) and spatial (2D phantom) CEST experiments.
• To simplify the process of performing CEST simulations for a wider range of users.

Main Methods:

• The CESTsimu tool was developed using MATLAB App Designer.
• It features three modules: Saturation Settings, Exchange Settings, and Phantom Settings.
• CESTsimu supports file import/export and compatibility with other simulation platforms like pulseq-CEST.

Main Results:

• 1D simulations accurately modeled Z-spectra under varying saturation and exchange conditions.
• 2D simulations generated diverse phantoms with adjustable noise levels and simulated B0/B1 inhomogeneity.
• CESTsimu's accuracy was validated through 8 cases in the BMsim challenge.

Conclusions:

• A user-friendly CESTsimu GUI was developed for intuitive simulation of 1D and 2D CEST experiments.
• The tool facilitates diverse saturation and exchange setting simulations.
• CESTsimu is poised to broaden the adoption and application of CEST MRI.