Design and optimization of pulsed Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer MRI using a multiobjective genetic algorithm

[Display omitted] •Pulsed CEST MRI experimental parameters and pulse shapes were optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA).•GA-optimized saturation shaped pulses showed an increase in % CEST effect compared to pre-saturation using Gaussian-shaped saturation pulses.•Simulations were validated by experiments using ammonium chloride, iopromide, and salicylic acid tested in a 3T clinical MRI scanner. Pulsed Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) MRI experimental parameters and RF saturation pulse shapes were optimized using a multiobjective genetic algorithm. The optimization was carried out for RF saturation duty cycles of 50% and 90%, and results were compared to continuous wave saturation and Gaussian waveform. In both simulation and phantom experiments, continuous wave saturation performed the best, followed by parameters and shapes optimized by the genetic algorithm and then followed by Gaussian waveform. We have successfully demonstrated that the genetic algorithm is able to optimize pulse CEST parameters and that the results are translatable to clinical scanners.